Here's what's known as a "reintroduction" Gibson A2 mandolin from 1918. The A2 was discontinued at the end of 1914 and came back with a bang in the 1918 catalog, with a new, chocolaty finish color that Gibson called "Sheraton brown." This one bears a serial number of 46350 and a factory order number of 11123, both pointing to 1918 as the date for building and shipping. The mandolin has seen a lot in 105 years, but had reached the status of under-the-bed heirloom that nobody in the family played. Time to match it up with a new owner who'll give it the attention it deserves.
     The finish on the spruce top is heavily worn, and a seam separation in the birch back has been repaired with the insertion of a narrow splint. Tuners, bridge, and tailpiece base appear to be original; the tailpiece cover and endpin are replacements. The pickguard clamp is missing; the pickguard itself is present but in delicate shape. It had decayed and was cracked, and has been glued back together, but is currently not attached to the mandolin. My luthier has reglued some loose binding and performed a complete setup.
     The mandolin conforms to A2 specifications in having top and back binding as well as a bound fretboard and an inlaid "The Gibson" logo on the headstock. Fretboard, headplate, bridge, and endpin are ebony; neck is mahogany. Original, red-lined hardshell Geib case is included; it is in fairly good condition and even still has one of its hinge ribbons. The handle is a period-correct replacement.
     Modern builders notwithstanding, players of Celtic, folk, classical, and blues music often eventually gravitate toward vintage Gibsons for a sound that's elusively difficult to reproduce. So you know you want this one—and if you don't want it now, you will tomorrow. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or more information. 48-hour approval period. $1,600 plus shipping.