View Full Version : 1907 Gibson Mandolin Three-point F-4
journeybear
Jul-16-2009, 1:33pm
What do you guys and gals think about this? 1907 Gibson Mandolin Three-point F-4 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350224311952) This looks to me as if it were once a fine instrument, but it has been through a lot. The seller himself raises a few issues. Right now the bids are really low for an instrument of its vintage and original quality, though that will surely change as closing time approaches. I'm wondering if it's in too bad shape to be worth the investment.
D C Blood
Jul-16-2009, 1:58pm
Back and sides weren't very often maple on these, were they?
Yes, maple's normal for an F4. Interesting mix of features. 1904/1905 scroll carving, 1909 or later raised PG. the point in the description (by frank I presume!) is "where's the inlaid pickguard".. fair point indeed. I had an earlier F2 (3263) that had a serial neighbor (3264) also missing the inlaid guard. Perhaps you could request that. that peghead inlay (no torch) is more typical of an F2 of the time. Hmm.
Sure looks like the top was stomped on by a hobnailed boot though. The burst is cool and otherwise kind of tempting me too!
journeybear
Jul-16-2009, 8:26pm
Must be tempting others hereabouts, too ... awfully quiet ... :whistling:
This photo kind of untempts me!
http://gryphonstrings.com/Auction/1907Gibson3point/1907Gibson3point30.jpg
It sounds like it's all holding together and structurally sound. Those colors are sure cool to see on a vintage three pointer too
this view, however, sure does get me!
http://gryphonstrings.com/Auction/1907Gibson3point/1907Gibson3point27.jpg
journeybear
Jul-16-2009, 8:53pm
Yeah - just cover up that bad boy with a pickguard, that's the ticket! ;)
Just wish this damage had occurred to the back rather than the top ... :crying: ... or that it had never happened at all, of course!
allenhopkins
Jul-16-2009, 11:02pm
Fascinating instrument, extensively "hybridized" with what could well be a new headstock and fingerboard. Gryphon's question, whether the alterations were post-WWII factory work, is very much to the point. Maple was standard for F-4's, I believe, birch for F-2's.
With current bid less than $500, and 2+ days to go, it'll be interesting to see where this ends up. Gryphon states "no top sinkage" -- good -- but there are all those repairs. The past century has been very challenging to #5976.
The finger rest looks to be more contemporary, but not new. Wouldn't the '09 have a clamping bracket? I'd have this one, but I know nothing, looks like it could be made into a great player, and 3 points, nice.
Jim Garber
Jul-17-2009, 11:50am
Seller is Gryphon, so, I assume, can be trusted more than Joe Blow from Kokomo. For the record, here are the questions raised by the Gryphonians:
1. Who refinished it, and when? Was it factory work done after WW II?
2. Later style fingerboard – also factory?
3. Where is the inlaid pickguard typically found on instruments of this period?
4. Why no peghead inlay other than “The Gibson?”
5. What’s with the elevated pickguard. It appears to be relatively modern plastic, yet it has the proper patent date impressed in it. More factory work?
A real conundrum, IMHO. Refinished, no tp cover, questionable pg scary-looking top repair. If Mr. Ford pronounces the repair solid, could be a nice bargain player. If i were interested I would contact Gryphon and ask lots of questions. I bet it goes for around $1000. Possibly more.
Darryl Wolfe
Jul-17-2009, 12:04pm
I made that pickguard. I had no pattern and had to fudge from a poor photo of the instrument and the decayed original guard that I blew up until the distance from the bridge to the 12th fret was correct. That is my infamous mid 20's style bracket for when a clamp is not available for use. I let Frank know that