Tannhaeuser - - Mandolin - 1900 (No reserve price)

1. Introduction
A charming vintage German flat-back mandolin by Tannhaeuser, presented in good playing order and complete with a soft padded case. With its warm honey-toned spruce top, elegant teardrop body and eye-catching floral decoration around the soundhole, this is an instrument that looks every bit as good as it sounds. It carries eight strings in four courses and offers the bright, ringing voice for which the mandolin family is loved.

2. Historical and Artistic Context
The flat-back mandolin was a popular alternative to the deep Neapolitan bowl-back, offering greater comfort and durability while keeping the instrument's signature sparkle. German makers produced fine examples of this style through the mid-20th century, often finished with decorative inlays and gilt fittings for the domestic and export markets. This example bears the brand 'Tannhaeuser' with the German mark 'Ges. Gesch.' (Gesetzlich Geschuetzt / legally protected), placing it firmly in that German workshop tradition.

3. Craftsmanship and Materials
The soundboard is crafted from spruce with a fine, even grain and a warm amber finish. The teardrop body is bound with an attractive rope-pattern purfling that runs the full outline of the top. Around the oval soundhole sits a tortoiseshell-style pickguard decorated with a hand-set floral inlay - two cream-coloured blossoms with green centres, joined by a fine metal-wire vine. The slotted headstock carries eight open-gear tuning machines with gilt plates and jewelled buttons, and the strings terminate at a bright metal tailpiece cover. A rosewood bridge completes the fittings.

4. Tonal Character and Playability
Strung in four double courses and played with a plectrum, the mandolin delivers the crisp attack and shimmering sustain the instrument is prized for. It is well suited to folk, classical and traditional repertoire, whether played solo or in ensemble, and its flat back makes it comfortable to hold and play for longer sessions.

5. Condition
In good vintage condition with attractive, well-preserved decoration. A few of the strings are currently loose, so a fresh set of strings and a simple set-up are recommended before playing. The instrument is offered as found, complete with its soft padded tartan gig bag for storage and transport.

6. Details
Type: flat-back mandolin, eight strings in four courses. Brand: Tannhaeuser (Ges. Gesch.). Country of origin: Germany. Period: vintage, circa 1960-1970. Top: spruce. Decoration: floral soundhole inlay and rope-pattern purfling. Tuners: slotted headstock with gilt, jewelled machine heads. Included: soft padded case.

7. Included
The instrument comes with a soft padded case. A fresh set of strings is recommended before playing.