If you or someone you know has an old (or new) mandolin kicking around the place that nobody wants, send me some pictures of the front, sides and back, details of the scroll, endpin and any damage. If you know the provenance of the instrument (where it was made, the brand, serial number), include that information. If you don't know anything about it, that's fine also.
Why do I buy mandolins?
I am the founder and director of the Springfield Mandolin Orchestra, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to providing educational performances and events throughout the Metro Springfield area. I offer a program for beginners called "Play to Own", where people that would like to join the orchestra may borrow a mandolin, mandola or mandocello, and come to rehearsals and mandolin lessons. At the end of the year if they are still playing, they may purchase it at my cost!