ITEM:
Antique 1917 “The Gibson” Model A-4 Mandolin~Pumpkin Orange/Cherry Sunburst w/ OHSC – Excellent condition~ S.N. # 32643~A Legitimate Antique Instrument!
A beautifully preserved 1917 Gibson Model A-4 mandolin, finished in a rich pumpkin orange/cherry sunburst and retaining its unmistakable early Gibson character. Built during the company’s formative years in Kalamazoo, MI, this model A-4 represents the period when Gibson was establishing itself as one of the premier American makers of carved-top mandolins and guitars. This is an exceptional, 100% complete & original folk instrument.
The A-series mandolins were Gibson’s oval-hole carved-top models, designed to deliver a sweeter, more open, and more rounded tone. This example captures that appeal perfectly, with its classic body shape, pearl inlay work, bound body, and handsomely engraved “The Gibson” tailpiece. This style A4 was Gibson’s top of the line, high end instrument in their “A“ series of mandolins at this point (1917) in their history.
DESCRIPTION:
This mandolin has received a full pro inspection & setup (summary of work listed below) by our esteemed luthier, Dave Fecca Guitar Repair of Moorestown, NJ, and is strung with .010–.034 strings, ready to play. Tonally, we have no hesitance in calling it mesmerizing. Woody, responsive, and mature, with sweetness in the highs of the aural spectrum.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Serial #: 32643
- 24 original, meaty narrow frets on an Ebony board
- MOP fingerboard inlays
- Pumpkin/cherry sunburst finish
- Original carved top & back
- “A” style oval sound hole body design
- Original engraved chrome “The Gibson” tailpiece
- Solid carved spruce top, solid carved maple back & sides, mahogany neck & ebonized head stock, ebony finger board
- Inlaid MOP “The Gibson” on black peghead, black stinger on rear of headstock running all the down the neck to the heel
- Original tort pick guard is stamped “PAT MAR 30 ‘09” on lower right side, and pick guard bracket is stamped “PAT. JULY 4. 1911”
- Includes original hard shell case which is in NM condition
- “V” profile mahogany neck w central stripe
Measurements:
Body: 10” width X
1 3/4” depth X 26” length
Nut width: 1 1/4”
Scale length: 13 1/2”
Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
Case: 12" x 4" x 27 3/4" ; Weight: 3lb 13oz
Condition:
Work Performed: Basic professional inspection & setup
- Adjusted for Low Action
- Buffed & Oiled fretboard and bridge
- Set and lubricated original tuning assemblies w inlaid Handel ivoroid buttons
- Sanded and buffed out dings out of frets
- Fixed binding separation on top near heel bottom; glued and clamped areas of separation
- showed slight separation on bottom and top binding areas
This mandolin presents very well and remains a striking antique example.
Body: Some light scratches around the rim of the body. Small nick around the 8 o’clock position near the trim.
Sides: Small scratch at mid left side.
In our humble opinion, this is a museum caliber as well as a museum quality instrument. She’s a looker, a player, & is gig or recording ready.
IF YOU‘RE IN THE MARKET FOR A KILLER MANDO, THIS IS THE ONE!
**International Orders~~Please contact us prior to Purchase!!**
**NOTES & THE FINE PRINT:**
ALL SALES ARE FINAL~NO RETURNS~
ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS~WHERE IS
Please see the attached photos as an extension of our written description.
Since this is a vintage instrument, our normal return policy DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS ITEM! It cannot be returned to us.
Shipping insurance is included. Instrument will be boxed in a heavy, new guitar box & will be shipped via USPS, FedEx or UPS. Or, this can be picked up locally at our physical bricks and mortar shop, Ellis Antiques, in historic Collingswood, NJ 08108. Also, please take a look at our website: shop.ellisantique.com. You may also wish to check out our feedback, which is currently 16,000+, and has accumulated for the past 26+ years on eBay under our eBay user name, ellisantique.
***This item is subject to prior sale.***
If you have any interest in purchasing this fine instrument, please feel free to make us an offer. We're full time general antique dealers and negotiating is a large part of our business. Just saying.……
AND, THANKS FOR READING………!!
4L10z
AmpBox
12L
JP/ELG
LSTD 26.27.03
