Summary
1920 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1920 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandola, Style H4
Serial 61471
Factory order number unknown
Description
This is a fine example of Gibsons finest mandola up until the introduction of the H-5. And many folks prefer the sound of these round hole H-4 models. This one with serial #61471 dates to 1920 and the original tuning pegs with their beautiful marbelized buttons also conform to that period as do the tailpiece and bridge. But the original finish is lacquer which Gibson didn't start using until 1925. So this instrument was probably assembled and the stain applied in 1920 and then finished and sold in 1925 or 26. At any rate the sunburst spruce top is gorgeous even without its pickguard and the sunburst maple back and sides are likewise. The entire instrument is crack free with only very minor dings here and there and an almost invisible headstock scroll repair. Beautiful double flower pot on the headstock and the original hard shell case is in pretty nice shape too.
Source
From Lowell Levinger.
Lowell Levinger operates Vintage Instruments, stocking a wonderful inventory of top-end vintage mandolin family and other hard to find musical instruments
