Gibson Model A-3 Carved Top Mandolin (1919)
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Gibson Model A-3 Model Carved Top Mandolin (1919), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 56097, white lacquer top, dark stained back and sides finish, birch back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a lovely 1919 example of one of the Gibson Company's most unusual looking and attractive mandolins, the Ivory-topped Style A-3. Gibson made many variations in the top color on their mandolin line in the teens and twenties, at various times offering black, brown, orange and red sunburst on different models. The striking "Antique Ivory" finish on this instrument was unique to the A-3, and only available on this mandolin between 1918 and 1923. Although a few other Gibsons were rarely custom ordered to match, this finish was unique to the single model and not revived after it was discontinued in 1923.
The striking white top is double bound with a wide ivoroid soundhole ring encircled by three-ply wood on either side. The pickguard is grained ivoroid as is the bracket anchor, a very attractive looking material used only on banjo fittings besides this lone mandolin model. The back and fingerboard are single bound, the peghead sharply slanted THE GIBSON" script logo and inlayed vine pattern. The tuners are the typical period openbacks, the original one-piece compensated bridge and engraved tailpiece are all intact. Overall this is a fine playing and sounding example of this striking and singular Gibson mandolin.
Overall length is 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 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 just about 103 year old instrument remains in nicely original condition with only some typical playing wear. There is scuffing and checking to the finish with dings, scratches and dents overall. There is a thin area worn away from arm action on the upper face and some dings and scrapes through the white lacquer, but generally the top is still quite attractive. The back has some more scratching, with an area worn away in the center and some finish is worn through to the wood on the back of the neck and under the lower heel.
No repairs are visible, not even the typical seam separations often seen on old Gibsons. It remains all original, the original small frets have been dressed down a bit but still play well. The instrument includes the original hard case, this is not only a beautiful art Nouveau gem but a fine player's A-3 with a bright and powerful sound, well past its 100th birthday and ready for 100 more! Excellent - Condition.
This is a lovely 1919 example of one of the Gibson Company's most unusual looking and attractive mandolins, the Ivory-topped Style A-3. Gibson made many variations in the top color on their mandolin line in the teens and twenties, at various times offering black, brown, orange and red sunburst on different models. The striking "Antique Ivory" finish on this instrument was unique to the A-3, and only available on this mandolin between 1918 and 1923. Although a few other Gibsons were rarely custom ordered to match, this finish was unique to the single model and not revived after it was discontinued in 1923.
The striking white top is double bound with a wide ivoroid soundhole ring encircled by three-ply wood on either side. The pickguard is grained ivoroid as is the bracket anchor, a very attractive looking material used only on banjo fittings besides this lone mandolin model. The back and fingerboard are single bound, the peghead sharply slanted THE GIBSON" script logo and inlayed vine pattern. The tuners are the typical period openbacks, the original one-piece compensated bridge and engraved tailpiece are all intact. Overall this is a fine playing and sounding example of this striking and singular Gibson mandolin.
Overall length is 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm.), 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) width, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 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 just about 103 year old instrument remains in nicely original condition with only some typical playing wear. There is scuffing and checking to the finish with dings, scratches and dents overall. There is a thin area worn away from arm action on the upper face and some dings and scrapes through the white lacquer, but generally the top is still quite attractive. The back has some more scratching, with an area worn away in the center and some finish is worn through to the wood on the back of the neck and under the lower heel.
No repairs are visible, not even the typical seam separations often seen on old Gibsons. It remains all original, the original small frets have been dressed down a bit but still play well. The instrument includes the original hard case, this is not only a beautiful art Nouveau gem but a fine player's A-3 with a bright and powerful sound, well past its 100th birthday and ready for 100 more! Excellent - Condition.