Summary
1918 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1918 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style F4
Serial 47162
Factory order number unknown
Description
Very good plus condition. The F4 was the top of the line mandolin for Gibson in 1918. It has a true red sunburst, spectacular quilted maple on the sides and back, pearl double flowerpot logo, bound top and back, and a bound ebony fingerboard with treble extension. The hardware is all original, but the pickguard is missing. You can see on the top where a larger bridge was fitted at one time but the original bridge that was still in the case has been reinstalled. I think a nice Dan Smith Loar reproduction bridge would cover the wear nicely and probably improve the sound. The finish is original, but looking over the mandolin closely I think it has been lightly oversprayed. Nice big woody sound from this mandolin with good bass! Neck is straight, neck angle is good and the frets show very little wear. There is pickwear on the top by the soundhole, some nicks and dings on the body and a scuff on the back of the peghead ear. However, it has no cracks or structural repairs.
