These two wound up in the shop with a gem of an instrument. A 1920's H. A. Weymann and Sons Mandolin-Lute with a crack in the top. It's a beautiful instrument, though, and once that crack is repaired, they're likely to have a great family heirloom on their hands.

Hailing from Philadelphia, the Weymann company opened in 1864 and was most widely known for distributing instruments; to a lesser degree, the company was also notable for making well-regarded banjos, mandolins and other instruments. This model of mandolin was made in the classical lute-style, and when repaired it could fetch as much as $700. Hopefully they'll hold on to it. Just look at the alternating, colored wood on the back, while noting the inlaid scratchplate it boasts on its spruce top. Seeing it in person was a great experience, especially since i've not had the chance to handle, well, anything from that era. A fine piece.