Posted By: James Hartel (+8) | Rate Member
$1,000 USD
August Pollman mandoline-banjo, circa 1890 Hard case included
EXCELLENT CONDITION
Length 33.5", widest at bout 10.5" Scale length 24"
The solid spruce X-braced top has a mandolin-like pickguard with a floral stylized inlay against a brown inlaid background, and is bound with multicolored wood with a wood inlayed soundhole ring. Pear shaped body has back and sides of beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood. A brand on the backbrace reads "Pat. May 3, 1887". The metal trapeze tailpiece reads "WM. GERKE, Prov. R.I., Pat'd Jan. 31. 1888" Four different shaped mother of pearl inlays on fretboard. The banjo friction tuners are stamped "pat. May 1888". This is a great instrument for the turn-of-the (last) century banjo enthusiast, a perfect-playing example of an unusual crossbreeding experiment in American Lutherie!
Virtually no wear on the original frets. Very nice condition, straight neck, all original parts intact, stored in hard case for years. Some evidence of repaired crack on bottom of bout (see image of bout below tailpiece) but so well done that I'm not sure if that's true.
The case is solid - much newer than the banjo - perhaps for an octave mandolin but fit this instrument perfectly.
*August Pollman was an instrument distributor in the 1890's and his catalog included both regular five-string banjos and mandoline-banjos such as this one. These instruments were believed to have been made for Pollman by Pehr Anderberg, a Swedish-born guitar maker.
note* billsbanjos.com/pollman_mandoline.htm
Location:
United States, Franklin, NY, 13775
Shipping:
Buyer pays shipping and insurance - about $50 in the lower States
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal
Payment Option Notes:
Paypal if buyer pays the fee - 3%
Return Policy:
Returns accepted. Buyer must contact seller within 2 days to arrange return. Refund will be given as Money Back.
Buyer pays return shipping.
Additional return policy details: Return in original condition and original packaging
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Excellent Condition
Category:
Make:
Pollmann
Ad Status:
Sold
Listing No:
41196
Page Views:
14873
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
