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Serial Number
Stamp Number

1920 Gibson F2 Mandolin #57134

Summary

1920 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1919 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style F2
Serial 57134
Factory order number unknown

Description

I took some extra photos of this one because I find it utterly irresistible Of all the crazy things, it seems to have been a special order F-2 in the same white finish as the classic refrigerator white A-3. The original owner penciled in the date (4/10/19) above the label. That date is consistent with the serial number of 57134. I'm presuming it was originally a white face mandolin because the soundhole rings and the extra black line inboard from the binding are typical of the white A-3, and never associated with the F-2.
Now, there's no question that this instrument also took a trip back to the factory for some serious repair around 1930. It looks like it got a new neck (with peghead binding) and tuners, some finish work, and a new bridge. The fingerrest was probably modified at that time to accommodate the adjustable bridge, and it was fitted with a new hardshell case. I'd say it is extremely unlikely that the finish color was changed at that time because there would have been no point in trying to change the soundhole decoration, even if the binding were replaced.

DB- Serial number dates this to 1920 byt the chart, though Frank's description may indicate it's time to update the chart!

Categories

Categories this instrument is a member of

  • Unusual finish color
  • White top finish
  • Unusual instrument

Source

From Gryphon Strings.
Frank Ford is on of the founders of Gryphon Strings. Frank is world-renowned as a master repairman and an expert on vintage mandolins. Gryphon often carries very nice vintage mandolins. Frank is also the author of Frets.com, a website well worth the visit for instrument fans, luthiers, and repairmen

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