Gibson Model A-3 Carved Top Mandolin (1919)
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Gibson Model A-3 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1919), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 54994, white lacquer top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a lovely 1919 example of one of the Gibson Company's most unusual looking and attractive mandolins, the Ivory-topped Style A-3. Gibson made many variations in the top color on their mandolin line in the teens and twenties, at various times offering black, brown, orange and red sunburst on different models. The striking "Antique Ivory" finish on this instrument was unique to the A-3, and only available on this mandolin between 1918 and 1923. Although a few other Gibsons were rarely custom ordered to match, the finish was unique to this single model and not revived after it was discontinued in 1923.
The striking white top is double bound with a wide ivoroid soundhole ring encircled by three-ply wood on either side. The pickguard is grained ivoroid as is the bracket anchor, a very attractive looking material used only on banjo fittings besides this lone mandolin model. The back and fingerboard are single bound, the peghead sharply slanted "THE GIBSON" script logo and inlayed curlicue vine pattern. The tuners are the typical period openbacks, the original one-piece compensated bridge and engraved tailpiece are all intact. Overall this is a fine playing and sounding example of this striking and singular Gibson mandolin.
Overall length is 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
This just about 105 year old instrument remains in nicely original condition with only some minor repair and typical playing wear. There is scuffing and fine checking to the finish with some small dings, scratches and dents scattered overall. There is an area worn into the white overcoat from arm action on the upper face and some dings and scrapes through the lacquer, but generally the top is still quite attractive. The back and sides have fine checking but only minimal wear, while there is an area worn through to the wood on the back of the neck in the first position.
The only repair visible is a short grain split on the spruce top, running off the beck edge about an inch above the tailpiece. The typical seam separations often seen on old Gibsons appear to have been avoided on this one. It remains all original, the original small frets showing light wear but still playing well. The instrument includes the original hard case, in very solid condition. This is not only a beautiful art Nouveau gem but a fine player's A-3 with a bright and powerful sound, well past its 100th birthday and ready for 100 more! Overall Excellent - Condition.
This is a lovely 1919 example of one of the Gibson Company's most unusual looking and attractive mandolins, the Ivory-topped Style A-3. Gibson made many variations in the top color on their mandolin line in the teens and twenties, at various times offering black, brown, orange and red sunburst on different models. The striking "Antique Ivory" finish on this instrument was unique to the A-3, and only available on this mandolin between 1918 and 1923. Although a few other Gibsons were rarely custom ordered to match, the finish was unique to this single model and not revived after it was discontinued in 1923.
The striking white top is double bound with a wide ivoroid soundhole ring encircled by three-ply wood on either side. The pickguard is grained ivoroid as is the bracket anchor, a very attractive looking material used only on banjo fittings besides this lone mandolin model. The back and fingerboard are single bound, the peghead sharply slanted "THE GIBSON" script logo and inlayed curlicue vine pattern. The tuners are the typical period openbacks, the original one-piece compensated bridge and engraved tailpiece are all intact. Overall this is a fine playing and sounding example of this striking and singular Gibson mandolin.
Overall length is 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
This just about 105 year old instrument remains in nicely original condition with only some minor repair and typical playing wear. There is scuffing and fine checking to the finish with some small dings, scratches and dents scattered overall. There is an area worn into the white overcoat from arm action on the upper face and some dings and scrapes through the lacquer, but generally the top is still quite attractive. The back and sides have fine checking but only minimal wear, while there is an area worn through to the wood on the back of the neck in the first position.
The only repair visible is a short grain split on the spruce top, running off the beck edge about an inch above the tailpiece. The typical seam separations often seen on old Gibsons appear to have been avoided on this one. It remains all original, the original small frets showing light wear but still playing well. The instrument includes the original hard case, in very solid condition. This is not only a beautiful art Nouveau gem but a fine player's A-3 with a bright and powerful sound, well past its 100th birthday and ready for 100 more! Overall Excellent - Condition.