$500 · 1900 Vega Style 4 bowlback mandolin

Not "1900s" : this beautiful mandolin is from exactly the year 1900. At least according to available serial number information. 3 kinds of animal and a half dozen species of wood were used to make this outstanding instrument. 35 rosewood ribs are alternated with a lighter wood strip. Binding and tuning machine knobs are ivory. Inlay and rosette are made of abalone and mother of pearl. Ebony fretboard, rosewood overlay on headstock with mother of pearl tuner escutcheons. Cellulose acetate pickguard. Engraved tuner covers. 10 layer wooden marquetry purfling. Action and playability are wonderful thanks to a new cocobolo bridge. Original ivory/ebony bridge is included but I didn't want to modify it for the current action requirements. Try to find another in Canada, or try your luck getting one of these across any border this day and age! It is not "perfect" there is some slight "bellying" near the sound hole and pick wear on the treble side. One abalone inlay is missing from the pickguard. 3 ofthe fretboard inlays were missing and I replaced them with abalone. I do not have a case. 118 years old! Among collectors of early American instruments , Vega is very desireable, and among their bowlbacks, this Style 4 is but a step or two down from the most elaborately appointed models. Serial number 19440. I have an offer on reverb for $600USD, just can't wrap my head around the CITES export process: will sell locally for $500obo!