1917 Gibson A pumpkin top
I was at a rummage sale this morning and came across a Gibson mandolin that was tagged as a 1917. The label was scratched up in some areas and the model number was not readable. I'm pretty sure it is a plain A model. Pumpkin-colored top with brown back and sides. The serial number is 36947 and the FON# is 3612. It was all original except for a missing strap button. Tuners were in excellent shape and turned easily. The neck had a very slight bow to it. The body was in excellent shape with no separations anywhere. There was a small crack on the back plate which came from near the neck joint straight back for about 4 or 5 inches, but it looked easily repairable. Frets were in decent shape. Overall, the mandolin was in very good playing condition. They were asking $850. Is this a good price? I thought it was but wanted to get some opinions. I wish I had taken some pictures, but I didn't think about it until after I left.
Larry Hunsberger
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