View Full Version : 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??
Shannmack21
Feb-13-2016, 8:17am
Was hoping to gain some information on a mandolin that I received as part of a trade. The guy I got the mandolin from stated he thought it was either a 1935 or 1936 made by Gibson. There is not much information that I can find, so I was hoping for any help you might be willing to share. The mandolin has a sunburst finish, says "Ward" on the headstock, has a label inside that says "Wards" and there are two sets of numbers I can see inside - "75-A-1" and "10-2". I have been trying to upload pics but keep getting an error message - not sure why. Anyway, I am trying to confirm what it is, when it was made, and what it is worth. Thanks so much!
MikeEdgerton
Feb-13-2016, 8:24am
It's a Gibson second line instrument made for Montomery Ward in Chicago. These were similar to Kalamazoo branded mandolins. Make your images smaller. It can be identified.
Shannmack21
Feb-13-2016, 9:27am
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Shannmack21
Feb-13-2016, 9:28am
I do have the original pick guard as well, but it was not attached when I got the mandolin. Thanks for any information you can help me with!
MikeEdgerton
Feb-13-2016, 10:10am
75-A is the Factory Order Number (FON). It was made in 1935. It's basically the same model as the Kalamazoo KM-21. They were pressed not carved. Gibson listed the model as an RK #1607. Gibson made some other instruments for Montgomery Ward under the brand name Recording King (others made that brand as well). That's where the RK comes from. According the Gruhn book this should have a squared off headstock. That difference isn't surprising. In the Gibson second lines things changed on a regular basis.
There aren't any recent KM-21 sales on eBay to judge the value by but the flat top little brother KM-11 has sold recently from $350.00 to $450.00. On a good day it's worth maybe $500.00 to $550.00 if it's in great shape. Who ever buys it will need to know what it is.
acousticphd
Feb-17-2016, 5:37pm
The "Ward" headstock looks similar to this Gibson Cromwell of mine, but yet a little different :143753143754
MikeEdgerton
Feb-17-2016, 6:47pm
The Gruhn book shows both headstock styles on Gibson second line instruments.
F-2 Dave
Feb-18-2016, 1:14am
I think these Gibson second line instruments are cool as can be. Your's seems to be in nice shape. Enjoy it.
Shelala
Jan-15-2023, 10:57pm
I believe I have the same instrument but it doesn't say Ward on he headstock. it has the same numbers and sticker inside and needs some work.
Are these worth fixing?
rcc56
Jan-15-2023, 11:43pm
If the instrument is basically solid and not falling apart, usually yes.
If it's loaded with big cracks or has multiple loose glue joints, perhaps not.
The Wards Model 1642 does not have the Wards name on the headstock. It is possible yours had the name removed but it may be this model. The most obvious difference is this model has more dot markers:
https://reverb.com/item/1097060-ward-s-model-1642-carved-top-mandolin-made-by-gibson-1936