Antique 8 String Mandolin Watermelon Taterbug Bowlback Italian Neopolitan Shape

Description

Antique 8 String Mandolin Watermelon Taterbug Bowl-back Italian Neopolitan Shape
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Beautiful classical mandolin in working condition.
This is a very old-fashioned style of mandolin resembling early Italian lutes from which the modern day mandolin evolved.
There is no label inside the instrument so we are not able to identify who made it, where it was made, or exact age. We believe it was made in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Adapted from online sources: the bowl-back is exactly as it sounds: a fretted string instrument with a very round back that sits against the player like a bowl. It is the style of mandolin often depicted in film or television as a stereotype of the instrument.
It is also known as a taterbug or watermelon.
The deep bowl makes for deeper tones than the flatback styles, but they are rare to find. Often they are antique lute-violin hybrids and run a high cost.
They are less practical for playing purposes, but have undeniable strong tonal resonance.
Measures 24" long x 8" wide x 5 1/2" deep.