Gibson Style A-1 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1916), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 34321, natural top, cherry stained back and sides finish, birch body, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a lovely example of the typical 'teens Gibson A-1, appearing less used than many with a lot of life left in it! Typical period features, nicely aged 'pumpkin' finish top, and the solid carved ebony compensated bridge without bridge with individual saddle inserts. The A-1 is basically the same as the A model, with the addition of a pearl Gibson logo on the headstock and a double ring half-herringbone soundhole decoration. Well preserved over 100+ years and ready for another century, an enduring testament to the work of the original Gibson factory.
Overall length is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 10 1/16 in. (25.6 cm.) wide, 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 mandolin remains quite clean overall, and is all original and complete including the tuners, tailpiece & cover and pickguard and clamp that have often gone missing by now. There is some minor wear, mostly to the back of the neck around the first position. One oddity can be noted by the tailpiece-a spruce patch along the bottom edge that appears to be factory work and the top near the tailpiece. There is not a lot of play wear evident, and no visible repairs even to the back/side edges, which have often shrunk over time. The frets are fairly low but this is still a quite good player with a sweet but ringing tone, and plenty of volume. A very fine original 100+ year old mandolin that includes a nice OHSC. Excellent - Condition.
