Gibson clamp - original?

[Eric Platt]

So, my 1910 A model has had a lot of repairs. The bridge is not original. Not sure about the pickguard. Looks like it is, but no patent stamp anyplace. But the cut is right for the time period.

More interested in this clamp -


Definitely not the cam clamp from 1911. But it's also not the violin clamp. Any idea if this was stock around 1910? Paul Fox's book seems to indicate no. But would like any confirmation, please.

[goaty76]

I’ve never seen one like that but with Gibson, especially at moments of change in designs, anything is possible. However I’m doubtful that’s original. Perhaps a modified violin clamp?

Phil

[pops1]

I've not seen one like that either. It's old tho by looking at it.

[rcc56]

Me neither. And I've seen quite a few old Gibsons.

[Charles E.]

That is a modified violin chinrest clamp from the turn of the 20th century. In the shop where I used to work, we had a large box filled with antique chinrests and had quite a few variations of the same idea. I used one with a patent date of 1883 to make a pick guard clamp for my own mandolin.

[William Smith]

Yes no "Gibson" part that I'm aware of. Most likely what was said a modified violin type clamp?

[mrmando]

It's really cool, though. You might have the only one!

[Charles E.]

I have a small drawer full of them.

[Eric Platt]

Thanks for the replies. So, my guess would be the original violin clamp came off and someone replaced it with a different clamp.

[Charles E.]

That would be the case. Originals are for sale on eBay for large amounts of money.........

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gib...wAAOSwruVa54Vh

There is another for three times that amount!

[mrmando]

Original Gibson cam clamps are sometimes for sale, yes. One rarely if ever sees an original Gibson chinrest-style clamp.