Summary
1904 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1904 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style F3
Serial 3008
Factory order number unknown
Description
G-VGC+, 3 point body style, back, inlaid tuners, inlaid pickguard with pearl around edge, bound fretboard with some fancy inlays, ebony and pearl top edge binding, oval soundhole with 2 rings of alternating white-black inlay and a center ring of pearl, "The Gibson" headstock, all original, beat leather case
DB - F3 was a designation that only appeared in the earliest catalog. The serial number of this one places it (probably) in the very first year of Gibson's production. Photos and current wherabouts of this instrument are sought!