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Thread: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

  1. #1

    Default 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    Was hoping to gain some information on a mandolin that I received as part of a trade. The guy I got the mandolin from stated he thought it was either a 1935 or 1936 made by Gibson. There is not much information that I can find, so I was hoping for any help you might be willing to share. The mandolin has a sunburst finish, says "Ward" on the headstock, has a label inside that says "Wards" and there are two sets of numbers I can see inside - "75-A-1" and "10-2". I have been trying to upload pics but keep getting an error message - not sure why. Anyway, I am trying to confirm what it is, when it was made, and what it is worth. Thanks so much!

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    It's a Gibson second line instrument made for Montomery Ward in Chicago. These were similar to Kalamazoo branded mandolins. Make your images smaller. It can be identified.
    "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: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

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  4. #4

    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    I do have the original pick guard as well, but it was not attached when I got the mandolin. Thanks for any information you can help me with!

  5. #5
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    75-A is the Factory Order Number (FON). It was made in 1935. It's basically the same model as the Kalamazoo KM-21. They were pressed not carved. Gibson listed the model as an RK #1607. Gibson made some other instruments for Montgomery Ward under the brand name Recording King (others made that brand as well). That's where the RK comes from. According the Gruhn book this should have a squared off headstock. That difference isn't surprising. In the Gibson second lines things changed on a regular basis.

    There aren't any recent KM-21 sales on eBay to judge the value by but the flat top little brother KM-11 has sold recently from $350.00 to $450.00. On a good day it's worth maybe $500.00 to $550.00 if it's in great shape. Who ever buys it will need to know what it is.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

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    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    The "Ward" headstock looks similar to this Gibson Cromwell of mine, but yet a little different :Click image for larger version. 

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    Jeff Rohrbough
    "Listen louder, play softer"

  8. #7
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    The Gruhn book shows both headstock styles on Gibson second line instruments.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  9. #8
    acoustically inert F-2 Dave's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    I think these Gibson second line instruments are cool as can be. Your's seems to be in nice shape. Enjoy it.
    "Mongo only pawn in game of life." --- Mongo

  10. #9

    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    I believe I have the same instrument but it doesn't say Ward on he headstock. it has the same numbers and sticker inside and needs some work.
    Are these worth fixing?

  11. #10
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    If the instrument is basically solid and not falling apart, usually yes.
    If it's loaded with big cracks or has multiple loose glue joints, perhaps not.

  12. #11

    Default Re: 1935 or 1936 Ward - Gibson Mandolin ??

    The Wards Model 1642 does not have the Wards name on the headstock. It is possible yours had the name removed but it may be this model. The most obvious difference is this model has more dot markers:

    https://reverb.com/item/1097060-ward...by-gibson-1936

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