Gibson Style A Model Carved Top Mandolin, c. 1929, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, black lacquer finish, period chipboard case.
An interesting example of a later Gibson roundhole A mandolin that appears to have possibly gone back to the factory not too long after being sold. The instrument is of 1929 manufacture but the body finish, logo, and case are more typical of the mid-late 1930's.
This is fairly common among Gibson instruments, as many dealers would return repairs to the factory, which would do any work required and 'upgrade' any hardware and components as required.
This mandolin has a gloss ebony lacquer finish and white paint logo that look like a typical example of this sort of work. The case is a late 1930's style "Challenge" built for the slightly larger "A's" of that time. We have seen a number of very similar mandolins, and it is certainly possible that as the depression hit, Gibson was left with unfashionable instruments unsold in stock for some time, which might well have been "spruced up" a bit before being shipped.
At any rate, the mandolin itself is a very good-sounding A with plenty of volume and an unusually sharp "bark" for an A-style instrument. The features in general are "post-snakehead" style with the older paddle-shaped headstock which was used again in the late 1920's, but the truss-rodded neck is slimmer and faster than the 1910's style.
All hardware is original 1929 including the tailpiece and cover, tuners, adjustable bridge, and pickguard, and the instrument is a fine-playing example as well as an interesting piece of Gibson history.
Overall length is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm.) deep. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.).
Very nice overall with some minor finish wear and checking, most noticeably thumbwear to the back of the neck.
The forward corner of the pickguard (by the neck) is a restoration. All other fittings and hardware are original.
Appears to have been professionally refretted; plays very well and sounds excellent. Excellent Condition.
