Travel back in time with this fine old mandolin. Built by Gibson at its old Kalamazoo, Michigan factory. The handwritten serial number on the label is 27,425. The ink stamped factory order number on the inside of the neck block is 2868. Spann's Prewar Gibson book identifies that FON as from 1914. It is a model A-1.

     It is complete and, I believe, all original. I'd say it's in very fine condition all the way around: cosmetically, structurally and functionally.

     I got it from the family of the original owner. It was a remarkable family. They'd lived on the same Kentucky farm since the 1830s. However, that farm had just been sold and is set to be subdivided. Thus, all kinds of old stuff was sold, including this lovely instrument.

     Neck is in fine shape and is appropriately straight with some relief. The top is in fine shape and does not show evidence of warping. 12th fret action is about 3/32" bass and 2/32" treble.

     It comes in the original case, which is in good solid condition. The case has some ordinary age and play wear on the outside, but looks good. The case handle, latches, and hinges all work.

     It's a classic All-American mandolin, ready for its next owner. It is the real thing.    

     Questions? 

     It will be well packed with plenty of new 1/2" bubble wrap and shipped in a new 32"x19"x7" stout cardboard instrument box. 

     Please check out our eBay store, Time Travel Music, for more cool vintage stuff, including a bunch of vintage guitars (and a few ukuleles, banjos, fiddles, mandolins and amps, as well as fiddles, brass, woodwind, and various oddball musical instruments and old instrument brochures & catalogs). 

     And please check out our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/toadstoolshadow, to hear some of our original music.