Gibson Style A- Carved Top Mandolin (1913), ser. #21251, original black hard shell case.

Gibson Style A- Model Carved Top Mandolin (1913), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 21251, natural top, cherry stained back and sides finish, birch body, spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This is a very nice-playing example of the early-1910s Gibson Style A-, having seen some use through its 113 years on Earth but still with a lot of life left in it! It shows typical period features: a nicely aged "pumpkin" finish top and solid carved ebony compensated bridge with individual saddle inserts, raised tortoise celluloid pickguard, early Handel tuners and "The Gibson" engraved tailpiece cover.

This is the basic A- model, simply ornamented but with all the sound quality of "the Gibson" (as it was advertised at the time) with only a bound top and single half-herringbone sound hole ring in the way of decoration. This one is generally well-preserved and ready for another century, an enduring testament to the excellent work of the original Gibson factory.

Overall length is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 10 1/16 in. (25.6 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).

This is a very good-sounding mandolin that has seen its share of playtime but remains in nicely original condition. There is considerable finish wear to the back of the neck, which has a lovely worn-in feel. The top has a deep amber patina with very fine checking and a number of small dings and dents, and the varnish is similarly checked and worn on the back and sides.

All hardware remains original and complete, and there are no cracks or notable repairs. The instrument has been refretted, is set up with a fairly low action and plays very well with a sweet, ringing tone. This is a nice player's example of the classic 'teens Gibson mandolin, complete with a well-preserved OHSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.