Got a mandolin recently

[largo1945]

Recently got this Gibson A serial 20304 mandolin. I don't play and don't know much about them but have been researching. Appears to be around 1913-1914.

The condition is unbelievably great and it came with a hard case. I assume the case to be the original.

The pick guard shows a Mar 30/09 patent date. The pick guard is crumbling at the upper connection point. On the back of the instrument is some slight damage below the neck. Photos will show the detail.

Only 4 string are attached, the other 4 were broken and I removed them.

My goal is to sell the instrument, should I replace the strings first. Once I get a better understanding I will place it in the Mandolin Café classified.

I appreciate any advice that I get here.

[Dobe]

That's a beaut, probably want to get that heel seam addressed by a luthier before you string it up. Shouldn't cost much, maybe have them clean and set it up as well. I'm sure you'll get more info shortly, good luck !

[largo1945]

That's a beaut, probably want to get that heel seam addressed by a luthier before you string it up. Shouldn't cost much, maybe have them clean and set it up as well. I'm sure you'll get more info shortly, good luck !

Thanks. I realized that I needed to find out more before I messed something up.

[Jim Garber]

Pickguard breakage and the heel seam are both issues that would impact price. If the heel seam problem is just on the surface, not to worry. If it does affect the instrument structurally, it would significantly impact the price you ask. Have the luthier check it thoroughly for other issues and be upfront about it before listing.

[fatt-dad]

Worth fixing by someone with experience. May cost you a few hundred dollars to get a thousand dollar instrument.

f-d

[Paul Busman]

That particular model wasn't all that great. It's probably only worth $100 or so. Where do I send the check?