1923 Gibson Mandolin Production Estimate - By Model

To the best of my knowledge there are no surviving Gibson factory documents with production totals for the year 1923. I have produced the following estimated production, using my own private serial number list in which I can document about 450 instruments from the year 1923 (or about 15% of the predicted total 1923 production). I gathered this information over many decades, and from various sources, (e.g. instruments I have personally inspected, information sent to me, internet websites and original Gibson factory documents). Please remember, these are only estimates, based on a reconstruction of 15% of the original data.

Joe Spann

A 500 units
A-Jr 200 units
A-1 200 units
A-2 300 units
A-3 5 units
A-4 300 units
A-5 1 unit
F-2 150 units
F-4 300 units
F-5 150 units

I have an A, FON 11999. Blackface, with bound top and back, and inlaid headstock The Gibson. It is an unusually loud and rich mando,
and seems worthy of more than a humble, simple A designation. Were all 500 of the '23 A models finished like this?

Gibson A model mandolins from 1923 have been seen with Sheraton Brown or Black top finish. But, are you certain that your mandolin is only an A? With a black top finish AND a mother-of-pearl script "Gibson" logo peghead inlay, this sounds more like an A-1 model to me.

The label is well preserved, and there is only the basic "A". Just like Hester Prynne. I am only the third owner, and I knew the earlier owners.
It was sold out of Miles Music Store in Knoxville (metal label still attached on peghead).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Spann

A 500 units
A-Jr 200 units
A-1 200 units
A-2 300 units
A-3 5 units
A-4 300 units
A-5 1 unit
F-2 150 units
F-4 300 units
F-5 150 units

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Joe - thanks. Have you also got an estimate for the A-2z model?

Felix

Just so interesting! Makes me wonder just how many white face A3s (all years)? Also, I echo Felix. Just how many A2Zs were made?

What a legacy, Joe! You are Mr. Gibson!

f-d

The A-2z model was not offered prior to the year 1924.

In my opinion, based on only partial data, in the year 1924 Gibson made about 200 A-2z and then the same amount in the year 1925, for a total A-2z model production of approximately 400 units. A few Gibson A-2z model mandolins can be found shipping in the years 1926 and 1927, but all of the examples of my experience have 1924 or 1925 factory order numbers, thus indicating that they were left-over stock.

Joe Spann

My A2Z has FON 11991, which is identified in the Spann book as an A2Z in 1923.
Serial number 74940.

I think there are always going to be anomalies, certainly in the early years. My mandolin is clearly labeled A-1 but someone wanted to argue the point because it has no logo on it. He stood down when I showed him the back binding but continued to shake his head to himself the rest of the night.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bob A

My A2Z has FON 11991, which is identified in the Spann book as an A2Z in 1923.
Serial number 74940.

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This serial number is so close to '24 that it would be hard to argue whether it's a 23 or 24. The Loar mandolins signed on December 11, 1923 are about 300 numbers earlier

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Darryl Wolfe

This serial number is so close to '24 that it would be hard to argue whether it's a 23 or 24. The Loar mandolins signed on December 11, 1923 are about 300 numbers earlier

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Yes, exactly.

Attachment 181837Attachment 181838Attachment 181839
This instrument has Serial No. 74753 / FON 11971. It was purchased 20 years ago from Mandolin Brothers who listed it as having a factory refinish.
It appears to have been oversprayed.