Okay Okay....it's not a guitar but I need help.......

[jcbass]

I have a mandolin that was my great grandpa's, it is a round back , with a torter shell inlay like a pick guard on the bridge side of the sound hole. The only marks on it are on the tail piece which says " patent October '49 that had to be 1849 since he wasn't around in 1949. I will try to get some pictures and post them. Where can I find information. I was going to try and look inside but I have no mirror. any ideas where I can find info?

Thanks in advance,
John (Jcbass)

[cheepaxes]

Unless you can find a label inside I'm not sure what to suggest. Maybe take some pictures and contact Mandolin Bros.

Good luck,
-Scott