1914 Gibson A-3 Mandolin

A lovely example of the "pumpkin top" / "golden orange" finish style A-3 mandolin in excellent overall condition, complete with original Geib & Schaefer 'Faultless' hard shell, purple lined case. 

This model features a straight grain graduated Spruce top, air seasoned Maple back and sides finished in a dark Mahogany stain,  straight grain Mexican Mahogany neck, "The Gibson" pearl ornament logo, Ivoroid bound Ebony fingerboard, oblong soundhole, and an elevated pickguard with Pat Pend German silver clamp.

The FON dates the year of manufacture to 1914 and the serial number denotes it was shipped in 1915. Overall condition is very good for an instrument on this age; there is play wear to the back of the neck as is expected, and some attractive fine lacquer checking throughout. The bridge is a more modern, adjustable replacement which has left a slight outline where the shorter original one-piece Ebony bridge would have been.

A fantastic instrument and a wonderful piece of Gibson history.