I recently was given a "New Reliance" banjo mandolin with a torn vellum. Apart from that it is in very, very good condition. There are few chips (one small veneer chip on the headstock), the varnish is still glossy and intact with no crackling. From the information I can find online this model came from the Houghton factory but I can not find out roughly when these were made

There are a few issues:
- There is no lion or makers mark anywhere but the case. It took some deduction on my part and identification on the part of Simcha Delft (thank you Simcha) to figure it out where it came from.
- One of the tension bolts is missing off the pot rim.
- The neck needs to be reset and the pot needs the tension to be balanced out (It was explained to me I understood, but don't know the terminology).

Apart from that I have been told it is in exceptionally good condition.

Does anyone know anything or have one of these? I have only found others looking for information online, but actual answers.

I am assuming it is a cheap but high quality instrument designed to be sold in catalogues and to travelling theatres or the shoestring musician.


This is a picture of it...
New Reliance Banjo Mandolin

Any information or opinion would be welcome.