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Thread: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

  1. #1
    Registered User Rickker's Avatar
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    Default Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    My nephew has entrusted me with his Gibson A1 while he is out of the country. The instrument is in good original condition, plays well and sounds great. There are no nicks or scratches, but you can tell this is an old instrument. The serial number is 16798. There is already a lot of information on old Gibsons on the Cafe, so I have been able to verify that it is an A1, (which is what it says on the label).
    What we would like to know is the year of manufacture and what the market value would be for this mandolin. Thought I would put this out on the MC. I can post additional photos is that is helpful. Thanks in advance.
    ....Rickker
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  3. #2

    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    It was made in either 1912 or 1914 but the earlier date may be more likely.

  4. #3
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    1912 going by "Spann's Guide to Gibson."

    We would need to see pictures of the back and sides and the case to correctly evaluate the value.
    If the finish is all original and not heavily worn, and there are no significant cracks, maybe $1200 to $1600 in US dollars to US buyers. Perhaps a little more for insurance purposes only. Although I sometimes see them listed for more, they aren't very likely to sell that high except to a "fall in love" buyer.
    Last edited by rcc56; Nov-10-2019 at 8:16pm.

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    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    If your nephew comes back and learns you sold his mandolin, he ain't gonna be happy, no matter how much you sold it for.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

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  7. #5
    Registered User slimt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    The way your asking about this info. Makes me wonder . Your Nephew probably already knows what it is , year and value .

  8. #6
    Registered User Rickker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by rcc56 View Post
    1912 going by "Spann's Guide to Gibson."

    We would need to see pictures of the back and sides and the case to correctly evaluate the value.
    If the finish is all original and not heavily worn, and there are no significant cracks, maybe $1200 to $1600 in US dollars to US buyers. Perhaps a little more for insurance purposes only. Although I sometimes see them listed for more, they aren't very likely to sell that high except to a "fall in love" buyer.
    Thanks rcc56, appreciate your informed feedback.

  9. #7
    Registered User Rickker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    If your nephew comes back and learns you sold his mandolin, he ain't gonna be happy, no matter how much you sold it for.
    It's not for sale, at least not now. I'm just giving it a good home while he is away.

  10. #8
    Registered User Rickker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by slimt View Post
    The way your asking about this info. Makes me wonder . Your Nephew probably already knows what it is , year and value .
    Yes, I expect he does. But he is not on the MC, and I wanted to get confirmation from forum members who know what they are talking about. When it comes to vintage instruments, everybody wants to know how old they are, and if they are valuable.

  11. #9

    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    I hope you can understand why the question seems awkward, odd, or even a little nosy.

    Life has peculiar situations like this, of course. I was once "watching" and using a friend's auto while he was in Europe, the car got stolen, long long story, but needless to say you can't report a stolen car to the police when it isn't your car -- or not at least without suspicion.......FWIW

  12. #10
    Registered User slimt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by Rickker View Post
    Yes, I expect he does. But he is not on the MC, and I wanted to get confirmation from forum members who know what they are talking about. When it comes to vintage instruments, everybody wants to know how old they are, and if they are valuable.
    I know if I had my neighbour looking after my house while I was on holidays. I would sure hope he wasnt going through my collection looking for values of each guitar and mandolin . Those are my enjoyment. No one elses. Especially if I ended up joining a site just to a question like this inquiring about this sort of thing on my instruments .

  13. #11
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by slimt View Post
    ......... Especially if I ended up joining a site just to a question like this inquiring about this sort of thing on my instruments .
    Unfortunately, that doesn't wash - Rickker's been a member of this site longer than you have!

  14. #12
    Registered User slimt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    Unfortunately, that doesn't wash - Rickker's been a member of this site longer than you have!
    I wasnt talking about Rickker. I was refering to the nephew

  15. #13

    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    I'd say top dollar would be $1685 in a premium store like Gryphon for an A 1 in all original excellent condition. Ask me how I know.
    Silverangel A
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    1913 Gibson A-1

  16. #14
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    ... Ask me how I know.
    OK, how do you know?
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  17. #15

    Default Re: Gibson A1 (requesting information)

    I bought one there. 1913
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

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