George P. [Paradise?] Matthew, Soho Hill Works, Birmingham - circa 1882-1910
4 Course 8 String Sycamore & Rosewood Mandolin
in Very Good Antique Condition, from the Golden Age of British Manufacture
~ The instrument measures 60cm length (inc. 15cm headstock & 22cm fretboard), 26.5cm maximum width, 7cm depth at body
~ The instrument weighs 650 grammes, including the hard case it is 1.67kg (the hard case measures 63 x 30 x 8.5cm)
~ The inside label simply states "Engl. Pat. No. 26439 D.R.G.M. No. 70889."
Plays & Sounds Fine! See Full Picture Sequence, Below.
Condition Note: The mandolin is in very good condition for its age. It still plays very well and feels very light.
The only notable damage is at the bottom of the body, on the reverse side, there is a split emerging. This is clearly part of a gradual natural process of separation rather than from impact - bear in mind that this instrument will probably be about 120 years old now.
There is some varnish loss on the top, just off the top right of the pick guard.
The headstock is etched with the name "James Scott" on the reverse side, beneath the manufacturer's plaque.
The hard case is not really viable for carriage, only for storage, because the opening, at the body end, does not latch shut, the lock having been shorn off at some point in the past. Therefore, please be careful when handling the case as the opening will probably flip open easily.
FULL PICTURE SEQUENCE:
