Looking for info on old Gibson Mandolin

[Suziekwfl]

Hello. I am trying to find out about a mandolin that has come into my possession. It is very old, and has a pencil written number inside of 39901. It has a teardrop shape.

[goldtopper]

It's from 1918.
An A Model, depending on extras, the model number is variable.
Got a pic or better description?

[Suziekwfl]

I tried to attach a picture. Just learning how to use this site. :). Hopefully it will work. What is something like this worth?

[mandroid]

For the purposes of insurance, formal valuations is a service Of Gruhn's, in Nashville.

A number of details would have effect, history of repairs, finish condition, and all that.

faint line of white indicates a ring of binding around the edge, none on the neck ,
There is a plain A .. should be on the label..

'A Jr' has no binding , A4 has a lot more bound edges and a decorative ring of ivoroid around the sound-hole, so It's somewhere in the middle.

[fatt-dad]

If structural sound and not too beat up (and in original condition), you're likely in the $1,200.00 to $1,800.00 range. Just getting the discussion going, but that's what I think is about right. . .

f-d

[allenhopkins]

What is something like this worth?

If your mandolin has no "The Gibson" logo inlaid into the headstock (where the tuning pegs are), it is an "A" mandolin. Gibson had a series of models -- A, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 -- of similar shape. The higher numbers had different finishes, more inlays, perhaps better wood. If you are interested in the history of the various models, a good source is this Vintage Guitars website. (http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson8.html#a1)

Recently, Elderly Instruments offered a Gibson A-1 of the same vintage for $1400. The A-1 was a bit nicer, but comparable. Here's (http://elderly.com/vintage/items/90U-5229.htm) their listing. I would say you could value yours -- assuming there are no condition issues -- in the high hundreds to a bit over $1K.

[Suziekwfl]

Thanks...I really appreciate any info I can get!

[danb]

I'd guess 8-1200 too from what I can see- no breaks or separations in the wood assumed!

[Rob Gerety]

If structural sound and not too beat up (and in original condition), you're likely in the $1,200.00 to $1,800.00 range. Just getting the discussion going, but that's what I think is about right. . .

f-d

I agree.

[jim_n_virginia]

I have a 1916 A1 and I paid $1000.00 for it 2 or 3 years ago. They have gone up a little since then. I watch eBay all the time and I agree with FatDad you could get $1200.00 or more for it assuming it has no sinkage, separations and all the original parts (bridge, tailpiece, pickguard).

And having an original case doesn't hurt either for getting a good price for it.