Gibson A-4 Model Carved Top Mandolin, c. 1913, made in Kalamazoo, black varnish finish, spruce top, birch back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case.
Gibson's fanciest A-style mandolin. Black top and cherry stain back and sides; single bound top and back. Bound oval sound hole with solid white ring between two ivoroid and wood rope pattern rings. Bound fingerboard with pearl dot inlays. No treble side fingerboard extension; this instrument predates that feature.
Elevated tortoise pattern pickguard with patent date (July 4, 1911) stamped on clamp -- slightly unusual mounting suggests this is an early example of this style clamp. Slanted abalone "The Gibson" logo inlaid in headstock with abalone fleur-de-lis inlaid just below. Black finish on back of headstock. Tuner buttons inlaid with abalone and silver wire. Non-adjustable ebony bridge with separate saddles and nickel plated tailpiece engraved with "The Gibson".
Overall length is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) wide, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at rib. Scale length is 13 7/8 in. (352 mm.).
Very clean overall; light topwear and minor dings. Added felt behind pickguard clamp, otherwise all original. Plays and sounds excellent.
