Gibson F-2 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1908), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top, mahogany neck.
This is a lovely example of a fairly early Gibson mandolin, with transitional features between the earlier "Orville" era and the more modern instruments of the teens. This F-2 has the older three-point body shape with a more sloped cutaway and the somewhat lower neck angle characteristic of the earliest Gibson company mandolins combined with the new elevated pickguard and higher-grade geared tuners recently introduced. The sound is surprisingly good; less powerful than later examples, but still quite round and well-defined.
The F-2 "Artist Model" was the next to the top of the line in this period, and a very expensive instrument lacking the refinement of the F-4 but built to the same general design. These 'aught years' Gibsons are much rarer than 'teens examples and wonderful historic pieces showing the early flowering of the distinctive Art Nouveau design that had already begun to utterly revolutionize the mandolin world even by 1908.
Overall length is 27 in. (68.6 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 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.).
Nicely original condition; several repaired top cracks and some subsequent polishing of the top varnish, but surprisingly little wear overall. All original hardware including early-style inlaid Haenel tuners with extra-fancy baseplates, early pattern engraved tailpiece cover, and "Patent Applied for" long elevated celluloid pickguard.
Plays and sounds as well as any three-point we have ever had, with both a newer hard case and the original tooled leather case (well worn) included. Excellent Condition.
