I've been wondering about the origins of the left handed mandolin. I'm sure that bowlbacks and A's have long been switched around but I'm curious when the first lefty F was built. I have a Schofield with the date 12-10-84 which is the oldest I know about. Anyone got anything older than that? Rick
1977 Gilchrist F5 Mandolin #77-06, Flower Pot inlay - Left handed
According To Dan Smith's site, his Left Handed Hutto is a 1983 F5 Master Model.
I have seen the picture of the Gibson A Lefty from the 1906. (http://www.mandolinarchive.com/perl/...ins.pl?orville) search for "Left" Also, from the web (http://www.mandozine.com/resources/CGOW/monteleone.php) Question for John Monteleone - Q - I am the proud owner of a left-handed Grand Artist mandolin that you made in 1982. Are there any other left-handed Monteleone mandolins out there? A - I believe that I made another lefty Grand Artist in 1992. So, if your's is ser#79 there are two leftys. Thanks.
I think I found it (from the web http://www.mandolinarchive.com/gibson/serial/8974) 1908 Gibson F2 Mandolin - Left-handed 3point black face F2.
Wow, Jim, great find. This has got to be the "Holy Grail" of lefties...1908...much earlier than I would have thought. I hope repairs have been made and its in playable condition. Sure would like to take it for a spin. I wonder if more info will be revealed about this mando
This looks interesting: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1908-Gibson-...item1e8782fc50
