Gibson Style A-1 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 19194, natural top, cherry stained back and sides finish, birch body, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is a good "player grade" example of the typical early-1910s Gibson Style A-1, having seen wear, repair and re-finishing through its century-and-a-decade on Earth but still with a lot of life left in it! It was built in early 1913, just over 110 years ago during the first full flowering of the then 10 year old Gibson company. It shows typical period features including a natural finish top, solid carved ebony compensated bridge with individual saddle inserts and Gibson engraved tailpiece cover.
This is the A-1 model, the second model up the line with all the sound of "the Gibson" (as it was advertised at the time) but less ornament than the more upscale models. The carved spruce top is single bound with two half-herringbone sound hole rings for decoration. The pearl script Gibson logo on the peghead was the defining feature of the A-1, which distinguishes it at a glance from the more plain-Jane A. This mandolin has been altered somewhat from its original state but remains in excellent playing condition and ready for another century+ of use, an enduring testament to the quality of work of the original Gibson factory.
Overall length is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 10 1/16 in. (25.6 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This is a very good playing and sounding mandolin, completely refinished some time ago but still a good gigging instrument. There is a clear lacquer finish on the body and neck that is thicker than the 1913 era varnish would have been, but not obnoxiously so. There is some checking and minor wear overall. The bridge and tailpiece remain original; the tuners are modern repros of the original style. The original pickguard is included but has begun to deteriorate, so has been removed from the instrument.
There are no cracks, even the back/side seams do not appear to have ever required resealing (a typical malady for these). The original frets are still intact; they have been crowned down a bit and show some typical wear but not affecting playability. The mandolin plays well with a sweet, ringing tone, a perfect gigger of the classic 'teens Gibson mandolin. Overall Very Good Condition.
