Mandolin

Mandolin, anon, probably Italian, late 18th century. Inlaid tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl. Papier mache rose surrounded by mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. Papier mache back of 9 laminations. Odd pegs. back of neck striped with typical decoration of first half of the 18th century. Belly damaged. Green box with initials C.E. 'Neopolitan mandolin. Two extra frets added to the original 10. Bought from S. Hagger, 12 St Stephens Lane, Ipswich, 24th October 1938, Mandolin £3' (M. Jessup).