Description
VG+ condition / SN: 27842
Neck Heel Repair
This 1916 Gibson A-4 mandolin was the top of the line among the oval hole A series instruments. This particular mandolin stands out due to its unique features and notable repairs. While it has a repaired cracked heel on the neck and an old repair below the pickguard, it retains original components and comes with its original case, making it a valuable and authentic instrument, and a good value for players and collectors alike.
This 1916 Gibson A-4 has birch back and sides with an Adirondack Spruce top.
The peghead overlay is blackened on the front and the back. The Face has “The Gibson” pearl inlay at the top of the peghead and a fleur d’ lis pearl inlay.
The bone nut may be original. The tuners are original with Handel buttons meticulously inlaid with elaborate wire-like patterns and small dots of mother of pearl.
The mandolin has a two-piece mahogany neck with an ebony stringer running through the middle. The fingerboard is bound with grained ivoroid and is inlaid with large Pearl dot position markers and large side dot markers in the ivoroid binding. The fingerboard has a double-cut at the end, with the extension reaching over the oval soundhole. There is an ebony heel cap.
The mandolin features a book-matched birch back with beautiful figuring patterns, complemented by grained ivoroid binding on the back and top of the body. The soundhole rosette has a centerpiece of ivoroid with two concentric circles of wooden houndstooth marquetry and the soundhole is also bound in ivoroid.
The pickguard is in excellent shape with almost no signs of rot or distortion. The original bridge and tailpiece fit well and are in good shape. The mandolin includes the original ebony end pin.
This instrument showcases exceptional craftsmanship and has a distinct vintage charm. The original components including the bridge, tailpiece, end pin, pickguard, frets, and Handel tuners with inlaid buttons, and case.
Comes with original hard case with broken handle still attached at the ends.
