Gibson F4 Mandolin

[Sav080]

Hi All,

Im trying to date this Gibson F4 mandolin for my grandad. The serial number is 91329. Any info on its year of manufacture and current value would be much appreciated.

Cheers :)

[JEStanek]

Looking in the mandolin archive (http://www.mandolinarchive.com)this one has a similar number to ones from early 30s... The peghead inlat looks alot like 93933 (http://www.mandolinarchive.com/perl/show_mando.pl?2790). I'm no expert on the values of these but F4s in good original condition can fetch between $4-8K, but I'm just making an estimate based on seeing some others for sale here.

Jamie

[sunburst]

Does the label say F4? did 30s F4 mandolins not have peghead binding?
Looks like an original case, tailpiece cover, pick guard, tuners, and bridge. A few finish scratches, so assuming no other damage, the value will be near the top of the range for F4s of that age, but not right at the top.
"Vintage" instrument values change, and to get a good idea of the current value I check the asking prices for similar instruments by going to the web sites of various sellers. The average asking price for early 30s F4s with all original parts in very good condition and better will probably be a little higher than you could expect that one to bring.
For a better idea of it's current value, paying for an official appraisal would be in order.

[Big Joe]

It appears to have a truss rod, so it is a 1922 or later, but looks about early 30's.

[Gail Hester]

My guess is that it is a 1935. That's the year that the unbound headstock and the pointed fingerboard end were introduced, or thereabouts. In 1936 the rosette changed to a black/white checkerboard pattern not like the one pictured.

[woodwizard]

From the Gibson serial number ref. chart I have it puts it about 1932 or 1933ish.

[f5loar]

Looks like late '33 to early '34 to me. Does it have another number (the FON) stamped up in the heck block?
Should be 3 or 4 maybe 5 numbers stamped in ink and seen looking up at the neck through the hole.

[jim_n_virginia]

Any info on its year of manufacture and current value would be much appreciated.

Cheers :)

You could get $4-5K for this mandolin easy on eBay!

If it was a 30's F-5 model it would be worth 5X's as much or more! :mandosmiley:

[Sav080]

Thanks everyone, You have helped me heaps already! Feel free to add anything new! Ill check the number on the neck next time I see the instrument.

[JeffD]

How does it sound. I have been lusting after a black face F4.

[Sav080]

Ive actually backed of the strings and put in the case - he has another little mandolin he plays on. I have played it before (played is a very loose term considering im a guitar player) Its mellowed quite nicely - a fair bit of bottom end from such a little instrument! I think it needs a fret dress on the first couple of frets.

[Gail Hester]

The features on that F4 do not match the serial number on your list so I would look closely at that. If you look at other early thirties F4s they will have a fretboard extension, not the point as yours does. The point was reportedly introduced in 1935 but sometimes these changes were implememted late in the previous year. Again, my guess is late 1934 or 35. In 36 things changed again and do not match yours.

[Capt. E]

This F4 is a black face? Looks like a dark sunburst to me.

[Sav080]

Yeah, it is a sunburst finish.