1918 Gibson Style A Mandolin #46228 – Original Hardshell Case – Luthier Project

Beautiful and very characterful early Gibson Style A mandolin, serial #46228, dating to approximately 1918 and built in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

This is a genuine early Gibson carved-top A-style mandolin from the World War I era, featuring the classic symmetrical teardrop body, oval soundhole and dark Sheraton Brown finish associated with Gibson's late-1910s instruments.

Serial #46228 falls within Gibson's documented 1918 production range.

Based on period Gibson specifications and comparable surviving examples, construction consists of a carved solid spruce top, birch back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and ebony bridge.

FEATURES:

• Gibson Style A mandolin

• Serial #46228

• Circa 1918

• Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA

• Symmetrical A-style / teardrop body

• Carved solid spruce top

• Birch back and sides

• Mahogany neck

• Ebony fingerboard

• Pearl dot fingerboard inlays

• Ebony bridge

• Oval soundhole

• Decorative wood rosette

• Ivoroid body / soundhole binding

• Traditional 4-on-a-plate open-gear tuning machines

• Ivoroid-style tuner buttons

• Engraved “The Gibson” tailpiece cover

• Includes period/original fitted hardshell case with lavender plush interior

CONDITION / PLEASE READ:

This mandolin is being sold AS-IS as a LUTHIER PROJECT and should not be purchased with the expectation that it is currently ready for normal playing throughout the entire fingerboard.

The instrument has very good bones for being more than a century old, and the body and binding remain largely intact. It displays extensive honest cosmetic wear, finish wear, scratches, checking and other signs of age and use consistent with a vintage instrument of this era.

There are cracks / separations visible in the top around the upper soundhole and fingerboard-extension area, as clearly photographed.

More importantly, the fingerboard/neck geometry has developed a pronounced hump in the upper register. As it currently sits, approximately the 10th fret and above is effectively unplayable and will require attention from a qualified luthier. We have intentionally left the instrument as found.

The original-style raised pickguard is missing.

Please examine the detailed photos carefully. We have photographed the neck and fingerboard from multiple angles in an effort to clearly show the current geometry and condition.

Despite the work needed, this is a wonderful surviving piece of early Gibson history. The serial number dates it to approximately 1918, and it retains many of the features that make these early Kalamazoo-built carved-top Gibson mandolins desirable to collectors, players and restoration-minded luthiers.

Included is the fitted vintage hardshell case with lavender/purple plush interior shown in the photos.

Sold AS-IS as a luthier/restoration project due to the fingerboard/neck issue and top cracks. Please review all photos carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions.