Gibson A model

[gmando]

My friend (who doesnt even play the mandolin) found a black Gibson A model in his attic, and wanted me to take a look at it and try to figure out what year it was from... and play it some too of course. I obliged, because only a mandolin player on crack would skip a chance to play an old Gibson. The serial # is 11172, is there any way i can find out from this serial # what year it was made? Thanks.
-G

[atetone]

Oh yeah, sure,, throw that in my face!!
I am in a severe case of MAS with no money and you guys are out there stumbling across them in attics!!! give # me # a # break!!
Just kidding, #it looks like a 1912 model.

[gmando]

Thanks! out of curiosity, what is MAS? And dont worry, im not "getting" this mandolin by any means(as much as i wish i were), i'm a broke 17 year old with a mid-missouri that i worked all summer for!!

[JiminRussia]

FYI, MAS= Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome. For guitar players, it's GAS. For fiddle players it's FAS. For b@njo players, it's insanity.

[f5loar]

A 1912? Maybe or maybe not. Generally the A models did not carry the serial number on a label. If it's stamped in the
back or on the neck block inside it could be the factory order number which would put this one at 1919. You would have to submit a photo in order to really tell the tale.
There are other things to look for in dating then the serial number.

[Nick Triesch]

My 1923 A type has a ser number written in pencil on the inside lable. Most a types I've seen have the ser number on the inside. Nick

[atetone]

gmando, I wish you were getting that mandolin. Any way you can work a deal with your friend?
How did you like it by the way? I have a 1915 that is my favourite player. They have a lot of soul those old mandos.

f5loar- You have me a little confused now but I am always on the hunt for more info on the old Gibsons.
In my limited experience all of the old A models have the serial # on the label (if there is a legible label) or failing that the serial # is written under the label. I recently floated a #decrepit label off one of mine (1916) and sure enough there was the serial #. It was kind of thrilling actually. Like going back in time.
Maybe I assumed incorrectly that all of them were the same. Any additional info that you could throw my way would be appreciated. Always on the lookout to learn more.

[danb]

They all have them on the label from 1903-1940 or so unless the label is missing. Many of them have faded off beyond readability though. I'd agree that the serial would indicate 1912. Here's one that's from roughly the same time..

http://www.mandolinarchive.com/images/12258_a3_label.jpg

This shows the stamp number on a k1 neckblock:

http://www.mandolinarchive.com/images/thumbnail/11929_stamp.jpg

gmando: if you want to look through the soundhole towards the neck, you should be able to see the stamp number as well. Doesn't add too much information, but I'd like it for the Mandolin Archive (http://www.mandolinarchive.com) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif