I'm not a mando player but I know there has been a lot of discussion on the Forum about Calton cases in general. Having absolutely no clue how rare the ones for mandos are, I thought I'd point out that there's a new one at Cotten.

They are not rare, but have gotten expensive over the past year...They are some of the most popular and best flight-travel cases...However, older versions have a rivet in a place that could cause damage to your scroll if dropped...This had been changed in newer versions...Other cases to think about are Pegasus Cases from England...They are a tad bit more expensive, but from what many people say are lighter and stronger...If you travel or have an expensive mandolin (you want to protect), you want to invest in a Calton...

Interesting statement about the rivet damaging the scroll, could you please elaborate? When was the design changed?

I have been using a Calton F5 case since 2003, and Calton for my D1A guitar also. Last year I ordered a custom shaped mandolin case from Calton and they absolutely nailed the measurements. The only drawback of these is that they offer very limited space for strings or tuner. I would like to see an integrated humidity gadget built in too. But the best feeling comes after the first time you drop it or forget that you left it under the camper wheel and ran over it. Nothing like that feeling!

Depending on your scroll with the older Caltons, don't know the years a rivit was placed where if dropped it could damage the scroll...There's a guy that will always bring up the fact that his Gil got broken because of a Calton case...Seen those posts for years...My Ellis fits fine in the Calton and not even near a rivit...It's situational and possibly a problem in the past...It's just keeps being brought up...Sorry for add to the legacy...However, I'm switching over to Peg cases right now...Lighter, just a strong, more storage for F's (not for A's), look nicer but cost way too much because they're from England...Great reviews though

if you order the mandola case and have it shaped for an F5 it gives a lot more room in the headstock area. i have one of these and it gives peace of mind.

MaryMary...can you still carry it on planes? The Mandolin Calton can usually be carried on...

you need to verify the size to see if it meets carry on requirements. i have given up flying at this point. i traveled for a living for many years and if you can't drive there - i don't go there.

Got the Peg cases...They are works of art...Lighter than my Caltons, nicer handle, no rivit issues at all if you're worried and look great...Cost more, takes time, but so far worth it...