Summary
1942 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1942 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Mandolin, Style F4
Serial 97599
Factory order number unknown
Description
This is most likely the last F-4 made. The serial number 97599 is the highest one known on an F-4. The mandolin plays and sounds great and is in original exquisite condition. There is one 1 3/4" long hairline repaired crack on the top going from the binding almost to the rosette in between the fingerboard and the body point where the missing pickguard would be. Very hard to see. Sunburst top and beautifully flamed dark maple back and sides. Classic rosette around the soundhole and excellent label. Original tuning pegs and rare flowerpot inlay on the peghead. Original hard shell case is in good shape with replaced handle.
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