Hello all,

I had a hand-made mandolin about 10 years ago. It was all hand-carved wood, very folk-art looking, with a duck carved on the front and an eagle on the back (or vice-versa; I don't exactly remember).

The body was like an A-style but with two short horns rather than the standard teardrop shape. Squared-off headstock. I believe there were walnut and cherry woods used, but time may be tricking me on that score.

Everything except the tuners (which were standard mandolin tuners from a store) and the tailpiece (which was hand-made but metal) was hand-carved wood. The tone of this mando was beautiful, the action was great. I really, really miss it. It's a one of a kind instrument that was made by a man who must certainly have passed away by now. He was in his 80s 10 years ago and was frail by then. He did not make many instruments, maybe a few dozen, but I got this particular mandolin at an incredibly low price at a craft fair he was selling at.

If anyone has seen or come across this instrument, please let me know. I know I might not ever be able to get it back, but I want to find out if it's at least in good hands (no pun intended).

Thanks!