Gibson F4 Colours

[mandojimmy]

Can anyone throw light on the varying colours of Gibson F4s around 1915-1920. I have a 1920 which is a Plum/Wine/dark Red colour and I have seen photos of F4s going back to 1915 of similar colour (some quite red). However I recently saw what is almost certain original 1917 F4 which had a more brown/yellow/vintage almost sunburst finish. Anyone know if these changed much or if this may be the result of much exposure to the sun ?
Thanks
Mandojimmy (UK)

[Tom C]

I believe they came in the wine/burgundy, black face, and natural or pumkin top.
That is probably in order of most common to least common

[Gail Hester]

This great picture was in the classifieds and I think sums it up.

-chuck

[Mark in Nevada City]

Did the F4's come in pumpkin too? I've only seen A's in that flavor.

BTW my '17 F4 looks exactly like the "red" one in the photo. I'd never call it plum or wine colored, though. It does go to a shade of red at the bindings, but its relatively light compared to most 'bursts you'll see.

cheers, mmm

[Mark in Nevada City]

Based on finish alone, I would suspect that the dark shaded F4 on the left of the photo is a later instrument using old neck stock (no truss rod, double flower pot). But its hard to tell since so many mando with odd specs show up throughout Gibsons history.