Model 1915 Series 1422

[ronhill1281]

I found a Washburn Mandolin Model 1915 Series 1422 with the origin label inside. Serial number indicates made in 1917. I have been trying to find some information and possible value but not having much luck. Can anyone get me headed in the right direction? Thanks, Ron

[bigcity2]

A good starting point for information on just about any Washburn brand instrument built before WWII would be "Washburn Prewar Instrument Styles" by Pleijsier Hubert..  This is the "GO TO" reference for anyone interested in older Washburn instruments.

Condition and consumer demand is everything when it comes to assessing the value of an older instrument.  (You haven't mentioned what kind of shape the mandolin is in  .....is it playable?....does it need repair work to make it playable?) 

[ship of fools]

rosewood back and side mahogany neck flatback 2 symmetrical body points and I think they are the first flatbacks made by Washburn from 1915 -20 ( not 100% sure on that ) not the very finest but a decent player as for value and they were fairly priced close to Martin Mandolins at the time. Well it is really hard to determine that as mentioned before the $ value please try over at  https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/ a good bunch of guys with tons of knowledge as to what the street price maybe in.
if you find the serial number on the label I can help to narrow the year better

[ronhill1281]

It is not in very good condition and has some cracks that someone attempted to repair. It wasn't playable but not sure if could be restrung. The serial number is 1731. I liked the 2-point look and had not seen one before. They wanted $300 but did not seem to be in a condition that would warrant that price to me.

[Tony Raven]

Mythbusting

The serial number of old Washburns does not indicate year of manufacture.

For that matter, if the first two digits of a four-digit serial number indicate year, that means only 100 instruments could have been built that year -- for instance, #1700 through #1799. This might happen with a small luthier, but Lyon & Healy (makers of Washburn) were at one time turning out more than 100,000 instruments a year, so "small" definitely doesn't apply!

[ship of fools]

thats not why I wanted the serial number we can only get close to which years they were built with the serial number