Summary
1927 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1928 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style A
Serial 83841
Factory Order number: 9172
Description
Post Loar period A Model. Fine sound and playability, all original hardware and case (with fine replacement handle), no cracks or repairs ... just a truly great one. Classy black top and mahogany back and sides. Original tuning pegs and pearl "the Gibson" script silkscreen.
Original receipt to Miss Betty Gifman is in the case, dated Nov 20, 1928. Going by the conventional dating systems, this mandolin is a 1926 (based on approximates from Loar signature dates), but this piece of paperwork helps show just how imprecise our estimates really are about dating these instruments (construction date vs shipment date, etc)
Pickguard is screw-in type, horizontal silkscreen peghead logo, square/simple tuners, dark green case. Label is about 20 degrees anti-clockwise from level. Non-snakhead and wider neck. Bridge has been inked & polished, thick grained ivoroid soundhole ring similar to an A3 top (no black line in body binding though). Tailpiece cover stamping is fairly indistinct (was the stamp wearing out by this time?). Very nice condition to the lacquer
