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 # 52947, 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, the finish was unique to this 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 curlicue 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 distinctive ivory-topped instrument remains in nicely original condition with some typical playing wear. There is scuffing and fine checking to the all-original finish with dings, scratches and dents scattered overall. The top shows some light discoloration to the ivory finish and noticeable dings and scrapes through the lacquer, but generally the top is still quite attractive. The back and sides have very fine checking and some similar wear, while the back of the neck is partially worn through to the wood.
The only repair is a sealed grain split down the upper center of the back, which was not cleated or finished over. The mandolin remains all original except for a very neat refret with appropriate wire showing no subsequent wear and it plays excellent. The instrument includes the original hard case, in very solid condition with an eccentric but functional one-piece leather handle. This is not only a lovely art Nouveau gem but a fine player's A-3 with a bright but even sound, well past its 100th birthday and ready for 100 more! Very Good + 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, the finish was unique to this 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 curlicue 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 distinctive ivory-topped instrument remains in nicely original condition with some typical playing wear. There is scuffing and fine checking to the all-original finish with dings, scratches and dents scattered overall. The top shows some light discoloration to the ivory finish and noticeable dings and scrapes through the lacquer, but generally the top is still quite attractive. The back and sides have very fine checking and some similar wear, while the back of the neck is partially worn through to the wood.
The only repair is a sealed grain split down the upper center of the back, which was not cleated or finished over. The mandolin remains all original except for a very neat refret with appropriate wire showing no subsequent wear and it plays excellent. The instrument includes the original hard case, in very solid condition with an eccentric but functional one-piece leather handle. This is not only a lovely art Nouveau gem but a fine player's A-3 with a bright but even sound, well past its 100th birthday and ready for 100 more! Very Good + Condition.