Now here's a weird one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-1920...0AAOSwZtlaFfbP
From the non-extended fretboard and blacktop top, we can infer that it's pre-1915 (extended boards start appearing in '14). However, "The Gibson" headstock inlay is pretty much straight across in a manner peculiar to a batch of 1907 mandolins, and it appears the serial number hath but four digits, which can't quite be read thanks to the angle of the photo, but may be 7311, which would indeed correspond to 1907. Shape of the end of the headstock would seem to bear out the notion that it's from the "aughts" rather than the teens.
That being the case, however, this instrument should have a pineapple tailpiece cover and an inlaid rather than a raised pickguard. Said pickguard is very old. So what's going on there? Is there perhaps an inlaid pickguard under the raised one?
Don't get me started about the back separation and the big screw into the neck block. Lord have mercy.
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