Gibson Style A Model Carved Top Mandolin (1916), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
Overall length is 25 1/2 in. (64.8 cm.), 10 3/16 in. (25.9 cm.) width, 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 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
This is very well-played mandolin with a nice, broken-in feel, low comfortable action and a lovely, singing tone. The finish is all original with scuffs, scrapes, and general wear, but remains mostly intact except for some worn-through areas on the back of the neck. There is one well-repaired back crack near the center seam and a few typical back/side join areas that have been re-sealed; these are the only repairs.
The original tortoise celluloid pickguard is mostly intact (including the original clamp) but with the rear corner clipped off for some reason lost to history. The Waverly tuners are original, as is the carved bridge; the tailpiece is the original Gibson fitting with a recent aftermarket cover. A very good player getting ready for its 100th birthday! Overall Very Good + Condition.
