Clippings: 1897 Hutchins Aluminum Mandolin

Aluminum was a "wonder material" back in the late 1800s, and some bowlback makers decided to use aluminum for the "bowl" part of the instrument (Merrill was said maker)... but the mandolins this Hutchins ad was for (c.1897) were entirely aluminum.

Click here for a link to photos of one.

Now... where do I get my hands on one? I can't think of anything more fun for taking on a boat!