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Thread: Gibson A Dating

  1. #1

    Default Gibson A Dating

    Hello All

    My first post. From Dublin, Ireland.

    I have owned nice Gibson foClick image for larger version. 

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ID:	162248r past 2 years and now trying to date it properly. I hadn't been able to see the pencil written number inside properly but yesterday I took off all strings and with the help of iPhone was able to get some good shots. I have my own idea of the number now but would appreciate if those who would have more experience of looking at these confirming. I also attach some other shots of the mandolin - I have the original pick guard but keep it stored, no original tail piece however. Any other information on the mandolin would be appreciated

    Thank you in advance.Click image for larger version. 

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  2. #2
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    I think it’s 35791, does that confirm your thoughts?
    Date might be better confirmed by noting the FON probably stamped on the neck block.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  3. #3

    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Thank you Timbofood
    Yes I think it's 35791 as well which dates it to 1917. Amazing to think it's 100 years old and still being played nearly every day.
    Regards

  4. #4
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Agreed. 35791. 1917 by the Gibson serial number list in Gruhn's Guide, 1916 by the list in Spann's Guide to Gibson. Since Joe Spann is now working at Gruhn's and George Gruhn is using Spann's list as the reference in his own shop, we'll call it 1916.

    The pickguard and tuners appear to be original to the mandolin. The bridge is a later replacement. Some of these old Gibson A's are very fine mandolins.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Thanks for further clarification rcc56. Yes pickguard and tuners are original.

  6. #6
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    For better dating I recommend a nice Cabernet....

    Ok Mike, I’m heading to the corner now!
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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  8. #7

    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Where is the FON stamped? I have what I have been told is a 1918 Gibson a that I would like to identify. Thanks
    Quote Originally Posted by Timbofood View Post
    I think it’s 35791, does that confirm your thoughts?
    Date might be better confirmed by noting the FON probably stamped on the neck block.

  9. #8
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Like the man said, it's usually stamped on the neck block. Inside the instrument.

    Do you have the serial number for your mandolin? Start a new thread and post photos.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

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  10. #9

    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Any recommendation on how to photograph or see the FON?
    Thanks!

  11. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Look inside the sound hole towards the neck. See that flat surface in front of you? Is there a number stamped there?
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  12. #11
    ForestF5 Gene Summers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A Dating

    Billydog, You are very fortunate, a beautiful old Gibson! Thanks for sharing, Enjoy!
    Kentucky KM-1050 2021
    Pava Satin A 2018 #272
    Gibson A 1916 #25861 FON 2626

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