A real Gibson A two point?

[Frank Wortmann]

I wonder, whether someone out there can identify this mandolin, which is claimed to be a Gibson.

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/gibson-vintage-mandoline-tausch-oder-verkauf/1397700283-74-2996

[Glassweb]

it looks like a total "Frankenstein" made up of an old Ibanez 2 point with a new, badly made neck/headstock assembly... i mean i didn't even look at all the pictures, but it certainly isn't a Gibson mandolin.

[NickR]

My first decent mandolin which I bought in 1977 and I still have was a two point Suzuki. It has exactly the same tailpiece with that stylised S on the tailpiece cover. Of course, that S could be an I- as I have seen it on other Japanese branded two point mandolins- one assumes they were all made in the same factory. So, it may be an Ibanez or a Suzuki or one of the other brands but it sure as hell is not something made in Kalamazoo. It is worth pointing out, that whoever faked this did a good job of getting the wrong Gibson script on the headstock and could not be bothered to change the tailpiece cover. No Jethro style two point mandolin as far as I know had that script logo which came back in vogue when Gibson started recreating instruments made before the late 1940s.

Here is the "genuine" article - an Antoria- not an Antonia- notice that pickguard cover- same stylised S or I- not an A for Antoria!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-Vintage-Antonia-Mandolin-With-Mother-of-Pearl-Inlay-Hard-Case-/143594086710?hash=item216edfe136%3Ag%3Ab4kAAOSwy1V eUZ2P&nma=true&si=UI9JYMAcOBMArXoWzyIqwlnQQFs%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[MikeEdgerton]

There are some real issues there one being the model number along with the rest that's wrong. That model would not have been designated as an F style as the body isn't an F style.

[allenhopkins]

An attempt to replicate the Gibson A-5? (http://www.vintagemandolin.com/59gibson_a5_a31891.html)

[rcc56]

This is an example of what we call intentional forgery.

[lenf12]

"Replicate" may be a bit too generous Allen. Mimic or allude to perhaps? I have the Ibenez version of this mandolin but it's in need of some major repair work. I bought it because I loved that red sunburst finish (and got my telecaster finished in the same red burst). My mandolin has that same stylized I or S branded tailpiece. The OP's is in no way a real Gibson mandolin. Every A-5 from this period that I've ever seen had that red or a tobacco sunburst, none were blond finishes.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Jeff Hildreth]

That is , at best, a cartoon.

[Frank Wortmann]

I thank you all for your interest and expertise.
The case seems quite clear now to me.
Maybe I can find out, whether the actual owner is conscious of what he is offering or not.
Thanks again!

[NickR]

That link does not show the mandolin now. Perhaps, since it was posted here, somebody has contacted him and suggested what has been outlined here. With that price- over 1500 euros, it suggests one of two things- he thinks it is a Gibson and is charging a Gibson price, or he knows it is a dog's dinner masquerading as a Gibson and does not care. That Antoria I posted sold for more than the norm for these mandolins in the UK. I have seen them, in excellent condition go for about £175 and they are pretty good instruments. I bought mine for £65 in 1977 and that was a big deal for me- I was just about to graduate but back then buying an instrument was not like it is today- the availability was low and the information about instruments- apart from what you were told in the shop, was negligible. I was paying £3-25 rent a week back then, so the Suzuki represented 20 weeks rent- that is two of the three terms for the year! It's nice to know it is in terms of inflation, worth a small fraction of what I paid for it all those years ago but it is a good instrument!

[jimmy powells]

Ebay UK has just listed a Ventura with the S for Suzuki on tailpiece. Antoria, Suzuki, Ventura all looked the same, or very similar. I once had an Ibanez Artist A5. Very pretty. Bound all round and immaculate condition but pressed top and no volume, from memory.
I had an Antoria and it was pretty good. Dont know if the Gibson A5 had much of a sound although Jethro played one for years. Maybe it was made with best woods? I've not had a Gibson A5 like that in my hands.

[pit lenz]

Wortmann, alte Rakete,
if it‘s a Frankenmando you MUST play it! ;) Go get it for cheap and free the monster inside...

[Frank Wortmann]

In fact I contacted the owner.
He said, he would have a look into here.
Seems he did.

[Frank Wortmann]

Good point, Pit!

[NickR]

That Ventura for sale in the UK represents the current market value for one of these mandolins. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ventura-V-900-Flat-Back-Mandolin-Sunburst-Finish-USA/333608158142?hash=item4dac9883be:g:ZWAAAOSwSTFezBJ T