Vintage Gibson Receipts.

[MarkELynch]

I recently added another F4 to the instrument collection. I was excited because the case had several old receipts inside, this is rare indeed! Most of these documents are long gone. While I don’t have the original receipt from 1917 I do have one showing that it was resold as a used mandolin in 1933 for $70. Also is a $15 receipt for one month of mandolin lessons in 1947 and a response from Gibson also in 1947 about replacing the fingerboard. Later in 1978 is a reply from Stan Jay regarding the value of the F4, this time it is $1400. Also included was a repair tag showing more recent fret leveling for the most recent owner before me.

Does anyone else have similar documents they would like to share?

Mark

[carleshicks]

That is very cool.

[Ray(T)]

So it's called a "scroll" and not a "Florida"?

[FLATROCK HILL]

So it's called a "scroll" and not a "Florida"?

Must be. It's right there, spelled out clearly on official Kalamazoo Gibson stationery.

[Capt. E]

Here is the sales receipt for my Gibson A-2. Sold in Chicago in Jan 1920, probably made 1919.

[Capt. E]

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/a...5&d=1425595209

Here is the instrument. Beautiful all original condition.

[Joe Spann]

According to the Gibson shipping ledgers, this F-4 was indeed returned to the factory for repairs in 1947.

It was subsequently returned to Mr. R.P. Dunn in a #371 case on September 9th, 1947.

[MarkELynch]

Joe, Thanks very much for this information!

Are there any more details on what was repaired? The fingerboard replacement mentioned in the 1947 letter talks about installing a square cut type, this one has what appears to be the original “scroll” type although I think it has been refretted. It came to me in the #371 Faultless shaped (red) silk plush case.

A small update for your Gibson book, the 1947 letter was signed by Dorothy Bippes in the service department so we know she was there at least until 1947.

I have an updated list of Gibson serial and FONs in the collection which I am happy to share with you, what is the best way to send them?

Best Regards,
Mark

[Joe Spann]

You are welcome Mark.

The Gibson shipping ledgers do not contain the type of detailed information concerning repairs which you asked about.

Please feel free to send your serial number/FON list directly to me at my work e-mail: joe@gruhn.com

Thanks

[MarkELynch]

The 1933 receipt for this used F4 from the Paramount Musical Arts Studio in Philadelphia above lists Edgar Stanistreet as the director.

Here are a couple of photos to enhance the story.

The first is from The November 1938 edition of “Radio Today” and pictures Edgar seated with his F5 connected to some early amplification equipment. In the close up notice the unusual end pin and also that the adjustable bridge has been replaced with a fixed type.


Fast forward to May 23, 1994. Edgar is now 95 years old and spreading joy by playing his mandolin in a children’s hospital. There are a few facts about his life including that he was a concert violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Leopoldo Stokowski. We should all live such full lives and spread so much joy with our mandolins!



Mark

[Jess L.]

The 1933 receipt for this used F4 from the Paramount Musical Arts Studio in Philadelphia above lists Edgar Stanistreet as the director.

Here are a couple of photos to enhance the story.

The first is from The November 1938 edition of “Radio Today” and pictures Edgar seated with his F5 connected to some early amplification equipment. In the close up notice the unusual end pin and also that the adjustable bridge has been replaced with a fixed type.


Fast forward to May 23, 1994. Edgar is now 95 years old and spreading joy by playing his mandolin in a children’s hospital. There are a few facts about his life including that he was a concert violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Leopoldo Stokowski. We should all live such full lives and spread so much joy with our mandolins!

Fascinating about the early pickup and amplification!

Also, that's a cool newspaper article, I like this quote especially:

"The harmony doesn't stop when I finish playing," he said. "It acts as a guide to life and they remember the sounds."