Gibson A-4 Mandolin Vintage 1911

Gibson A-4 Mandolin Vintage 1911

This is a 1911 Gibson A-4 Mandolin, “The Gibson”, in all original finish and condition. It is an absolutely beautiful instrument. It has age-appropriate wear and the original finish still has its beautiful luster.

The quality of this instrument is outstanding. The top of the mandolin has its original ebonized (black) finish, and the back and sides are mahogany colored. The back of the neck has a stylized black stripe which blends into the back of the headstock which is completely black.

The headstock is inlaid with mother-of-pearl inlays for the fleur de lis and “The Gibson”.

The original label is inside the sound hole and has its serial number written on it.The serial number is 12222, which dates it to 1911.

The mandolin has a symmetrical body type, which makes it an A-style mandolin. The fretboard comes to a flat end which is how the earlier models were made. Later on the treble-side of the fretboard was extended.

The tuners are the original Handel tuners and knobs. They are quite beautiful and exceptional.

The bridge has been replaced sometime likely in the 1920s or maybe 1930s with an adjustable bridge. Between 1910 and 1921, all Gibson mandolins had a fixed compensated bridge.

Condition:

  • The mandolin has the original hardware tuners and tail piece.
  • The finish is original and so is the color.
  • There are minor blemishes and light scratches along the body as to be expected from this 112 year-old mandolin.
  • There are two small screw holes on the treble side of the fretboard where the pickguard would have been attached. The pickguard is included, although I am not sure if it’s original. The pickguard bracket which attaches to the body is missing.
  • It appears that part of the back binding was replaced at some point, although it is hard to tell. There are two splits in the binding on either side of the section that may be replaced.
  • The neck is straight and the frets are good.
  • The tuners work well.
  • The bridge was replaced likely in the 1920s or 1930s as mentioned above.

Size and Dimensions:

  • Overall length: 26″
  • Scale size: 14″
  • Body width: 10 1/4″
  • Body depth at edge: 1 7/8″
  • Nut width: 1 3/16″

A high-quality gig/soft bag is included. Stand used in pictures is not for sale.

Free insured shipping in the United States. Please feel free to ask questions!

Description

This is a 1911 Gibson A-4 Mandolin, “The Gibson”, in all original finish and condition. It is an absolutely beautiful instrument. It has age-appropriate wear and the original finish still has its beautiful luster.

The quality of this instrument is outstanding. The top of the mandolin has its original ebonized (black) finish, and the back and sides are mahogany colored. The back of the neck has a stylized black stripe which blends into the back of the headstock which is completely black.

The headstock is inlaid with mother-of-pearl inlays for the fleur de lis and “The Gibson”.

The original label is inside the sound hole and has its serial number written on it.The serial number is 12222, which dates it to 1911.

The mandolin has a symmetrical body type, which makes it an A-style mandolin. The fretboard comes to a flat end which is how the earlier models were made. Later on the treble-side of the fretboard was extended.

The tuners are the original Handel tuners and knobs. They are quite beautiful and exceptional.

The bridge has been replaced sometime likely in the 1920s or maybe 1930s with an adjustable bridge. Between 1910 and 1921, all Gibson mandolins had a fixed compensated bridge.

Condition:

  • The mandolin has the original hardware tuners and tail piece.
  • The finish is original and so is the color.
  • There are minor blemishes and light scratches along the body as to be expected from this 112 year-old mandolin.
  • There are two small screw holes on the treble side of the fretboard where the pickguard would have been attached. The pickguard is included, although I am not sure if it’s original. The pickguard bracket which attaches to the body is missing.
  • It appears that part of the back binding was replaced at some point, although it is hard to tell. There are two splits in the binding on either side of the section that may be replaced.
  • The neck is straight and the frets are good.
  • The tuners work well.
  • The bridge was replaced likely in the 1920s or 1930s as mentioned above.

Size and Dimensions:

  • Overall length: 26″
  • Scale size: 14″
  • Body width: 10 1/4″
  • Body depth at edge: 1 7/8″
  • Nut width: 1 3/16″

A high-quality gig/soft bag is included. Stand used in pictures is not for sale.

Free insured shipping in the United States. Please feel free to ask questions!

Additional information

Brand

Gibson
Model

A-4

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