1920 Aug. Busch Mittenwald 8-String Antique German Mandolin – Ball Beavon London

Description

Offered for sale is a 1920 antique German 8-string mandolin / plucked-string instrument bearing the original internal label:

AUG. BUSCH

MITTENWALD

IMPORTED BY BALL BEAVON & CO. LONDON

An unusual early 20th-century instrument associated with Mittenwald, Germany, a historic centre of European string-instrument making.

The instrument has 8 strings arranged in 4 double courses and features a distinctive traditional wooden construction with an unusual striped/multi-piece back.

It retains its original tuning machines, fingerboard, bridge and internal maker/importer label.

The Ball Beavon & Co. London importer marking is particularly interesting and adds historical interest to the instrument.

Condition

This is an antique instrument over 100 years old and naturally shows signs of age and previous use.

There are scratches, marks, finish wear and other cosmetic imperfections throughout, consistent with its age. There is also visible age-related cracking/separation to parts of the wooden body, particularly around the lower section, as shown clearly in the photographs.

The instrument currently has old/worn strings and will require restringing.

It has not been professionally serviced, restored or assessed, and I have not tested it for full playability or tuning. Therefore, I cannot guarantee its current playing condition.

I am selling it in its present condition and recommend that a buyer has it professionally assessed if they intend to restore and play it.

Collector / Restoration Interest

The combination of:

* Aug. Busch maker marking

* Mittenwald designation

* 1920 date

* Original Ball Beavon & Co. London importer marking

* 8-string / 4-course configuration

* Distinctive wooden construction

makes this an interesting piece for collectors of antique German musical instruments, Mittenwald instruments and early 20th-century mandolins/plucked-string instruments.

It could also make an interesting specialist restoration project.

Please Note

This is a genuine antique instrument and is being sold as shown and in its current condition.

It has not been professionally authenticated, restored or serviced.

Please study all photographs carefully before purchasing. The photographs show the instrument’s condition, including the areas of wear and visible cracking.

New strings and professional assessment/restoration may be required.