Summary
1920 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1919 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style F4
Serial 53853
Factory order number unknown
Description
VG-EC except ~1/4" repaired crack emanates on top and from lower body point, red sunburst carved spruce top and nicely flamed maple sides and carved back, full double flowerpot headstock inlay, 4-in-a-line tuners with ivoroid buttons, tortoise plastic pickguard stamped "PAT. MAR. 30, '09", bone nut, ivoroid-bound top, back, headstock, soundhole and ebony fretboard with pearl dot inlays, later Gibson ebony adjustable bridge, "The Gibson" pearl headstock inlay and engraved tailpiece cover, appears all original except bridge, nut, neck binding, and back shaft of neck has been reshaped (from "V" to round) and refinished, with OHSC (red lining)
(DB -The serial number would make this a very early 1920 mandolin. )
