Summary
1925 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1927 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style A4
Serial 81564
Factory Order number: 8123
Virzi Serial Number 10636
Description
Red sunburst. Snakehead with virzi. The finish has a lacquer topcoat with light crazing. One of the first 1925 instruments, occuring just past the last Dec 31 signed Loar, and having the later tuner plate style.
The finish is nearly mirror-like, with just a few nicks and light lacquer crazing to show for it's 80 years.
The original pickguard was missing, it has been replaced with an appropriate screw-style one from 1925. Fantastic set-up done by gifted luthier Michael Lewis. Originally a left-handed instrument, unique as far as I know. The original pickguard was the lefty pictured in the small photo, but is no longer with the instrument.
You can listen to a sound sample here of me doing some practice playing on 81564.
