Early 1900's Gibson A-4 Oval Soundhole Mandolin w/ Original Case

For your consideration is a vintage, early 20th century built Gibson A4 mandolin with the original case included. This black finished A style mandolin with oval sound hole arrives to us as shown with no in-house modifications or adjustments made. It is as we received it and ready to play!

From our research, we believe this serial number's (SN: 14069) production was between 1912 and 1914. There is inconsistent data available to pin point exactly when models were made, but thanks to the serial number charts found on fretsnet, mandolinarchive, and various forum discussions of owners, we believe it is within this range.

It features a beautifully inlaid headstock reading "The Gibson" with a fleur di lis just below it. It also has ornate tuning buttons adorned with floral themed inlays. It has an ebony wood fingerboard with a spruce top and a maple (possibly birch?) back and side material. The neck and body are bound and has an oval sound hole and a tortoise color pickguard. It also has a non-adjusting wood bridge and a metal tailpiece.

We believe the bridge is possibly a replacement at some point over the last 100+ years as indicated by the crudely placed hole (see photo) to mount the pickguard through. Additionally, the pickguard would have had a metal bracket to clamp it to the side of the mandolin and it is missing. The pickguard was also modified by cutting away some of the material to have less of the sound hole covered (see photo). This was likely a "player" decision for projection, but should be noted. We also noticed many other models online having a labeled "The Gibson" tailpiece cover where this one is blank. It could be a plain design that is original from factory or an after market part. We're not entirely sure. Lastly, there is typical weather checking to the finish throughout the instrument as well as small chips and marks. No cracks were found in our inspection and the instrument plays nicely!

The case was researched and believed to be a Catalog model 103 "Black Leather" Gibson Mandolin case that was available for separate purchase in the early 1900's. It is described as "Heavily reinforced black sole leather hand buffed, handsomely embossed, hand stitched, opens at end, strap and buckle, nickeled trimmings, stitched heavy leather handle". For full clarification, the case is in non-functioning/poor condition and arrived in a different covering than this. A prospective buyer would be encouraged to consider a different case for this mandolin unless specific plans are made to repair this one. Even then, the standards of case quality since its production have improved dramatically and would not function as nicely as a modern case in protecting the mandolin.

We will be including a brand new case to ship this in to ensure it's safe passage to it's new home and humidity control packs from D'Addario to keep the ideal humidity inside of said case along. This will be in addition to the original case that cannot function as such for travel. Because photo limits exist, we can provide any additional photos per request. If there are any questions, we will do our best to answer them.

Take advantage in owning a piece of mandolin history, Gibson history, and US history with this beautiful mandolin that is between 111-113 years old!!

Thank you for your consideration.

Please examine all the pictures and read the entire description carefully before buying. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. For payments, we gladly accept Reverb Direct Checkout, Paypal or credit card payment.

About Us:

Ray’s Mid-Bell Music is a full-service school music dealer located in Sioux City, IA. The original company was founded in 1939. We have had a Sioux City location since 1972. You can buy with confidence knowing that you are dealing with a reputable brick and mortar store with a long history of excellent customer service.

Unless stated differently above, all used and vintage instruments are sold in the condition that we received it in. All repair facilities have different pricing. Please check with your local technician for approximate repair costs and, if purchased, ultimately the repair. It is our goal to accurately and truthfully describe each item, pointing out all flaws and defects, by providing as many high-quality pictures of each item as possible. However, sometimes things can be inadvertently overlooked.

We also take great pride in our shipping department and strive to make sure that each item is properly and securely packaged. Our daily UPS & USPS pick-up assures you of prompt delivery. We do ship internationally. For interested overseas buyers, please ask for a shipping quote before buying.