Value

[kolbe]

Don't know if this is the right place for this post, but could anyone give me a good ball park figure on the value of 1940 F-5 Gibson in it's original case in good condition. I may have a chance to buy it, but I have not seen it to confirm condition. Thanks Steve

[Jim Garber]

FWIW the 2008 VG Price Guide says $37,000-45,000 in excellent condition. If it is in only Good condition than you can knock off some from the price.

[Red Henry]

A very rare instrument, I'd think-- possibly much rarer than a Loar. How many F-5's were shipped in 1940?

Red

[F5GRun]

A quick look in the mandolin archive shows NO 1940 F5's. May be very very rare. I think the serial number should start with 96.... maybe?

[Darryl Wolfe]

I have 8 in the F5 Journal followed by 4-5 41's

1940's have a G in FON number 41's have an H

[JEStanek]

I moved this to the Vintage Instruments section.

Jamie

[F5GRun]

Thanks Darryl, now I see them. Like I said, it was a quick search. So only 8 huh? I wonder in the one kolbe is talking about is a "new" one.

[fatt-dad]

Somewhat off topic, last night I saw a 1954 F5. A local picker, George Winn, special ordered it as Gibson just didn't have F5's in their production. He's the original owner. It sounded fine, but looked somewhat amateur by today's standards.

f-d

[kolbe]

Thanks for the info you have been very helpfull. Steve

[F5GRun]

kolbe, did you get a look at it yet? Try to grab the S/N of it. and def. let us know what its like. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kolbe]

No I have not seen it yet plan to go Saturday will let you know how it turns out.Steve

[f5loar]

Be sure and get both numbers. The serial number on the label in the upper F hole and the FON stamped number in the lower F hole.

[Danny Clark]

any update on this one?

[kudzugypsy]

one think to keep in mind is that....who says its a 1940? (that is a rare year for mandolins) - the seller? is this person REALLY familiar with pre-war gibsons?

i just caution because i have gone to look at countless 1930-50's instruments of all kinds that the seller swore they bought (or uncle fred) new in 194x...only for it to turn out to be a 1974. you would be amazed at the times this happened before the internet made this info readily available....and there is nothing you can do to persuade an owner that what they have is not what they think - they think you are trying to screw them.

good luck though!

[Danny Clark]

i have had the same thing happen twice,
last year i went to look at one, all i was told it had block inlays and it was older than Sam Bushs,i drove as fast as i could,only to find a 67 F-5 it had blocks and a lower serial number than Sams!!!i still bought it!

the other time i went to look at a {acording to the serial number i was given a 1975 for $2500 ,i brought home a 1929 Fern !!!

[Darryl Wolfe]

i have had the same thing happen twice,
last year i went to look at one, all i was told it had block inlays and it was older than Sam Bushs,i drove as fast as i could,only to find a 67 F-5 it had blocks and a lower serial number than Sams!!!i still bought it!
I think I wasted alot of gas and time on that one too. Maybe 15 years ago somewhere way north of Knoxville, maybe Cinci area

[Danny Clark]

it was bought in the early 70,s from Vernon McIntyre,which is in Ohio ,i bought it from that owner in Southeastren KY.