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Thread: Gibson A7??

  1. #1

    Default Gibson A7??

    I recently got my dad's Gibson mandolin and much like another thread on here it is marked as an A7, which doesn't seem to exist. The other numbers are too faded to read. Any ideas on what to do nest. I am trying to get a value on it for my insurance policy. I am going to add pictures as soon as possible.

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A7??

    There was an A-75. Post some pictures, that's your best bet. You've probably read the only other reference to an A-7 on the Cafe and that turned out to be an A-1.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  3. #3

    Default Re: Gibson A7??

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  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A7??

    Try and get a picture of the label. Also, look inside towards the neck and look for a stamped number. That is the Factory Order Number. I suspect it's an A-1 because of the lack of binding on the back.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  5. #5

    Default Re: Gibson A7??

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  7. #7
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Gibson A7??

    That is an A-1, most likely built between 1916 and 1918. The top is in excellent condition. If the rest of the mandolin looks that good, its insured value should be somewhere around $1700-$1850, depending on who is writing the appraisal. It is better to get an appraisal from a vintage instrument dealer or a luthier.

    Often, handwritten 1's on these early Gibson labels look like 7's to the modern eye.

  8. #8
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A7??

    a 1 in some handwriting styles can be mistaken for a 7, rotated a bit..

    still common in Europe.. that's why hash marks get added on an actual 7..



    ....
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

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