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Thread: Gibson Mandolin Identification

  1. #1
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    Default Gibson Mandolin Identification

    Hi,
    I've just bought a Gibson mandolin, which was listed as an A-50 from 1941. However, it's got plain back and sides, rather than sunburst, and the back wood looks more like mahogany than the curly maple I've seen on other A-50s from around that time. The neck is also a really dark brown, not sunburst, and is unbound. The serial number just inside one of the F holes looks like 55026 (with 15 pencilled in next to it), which is a 1920s serial number. I've attached some pictures; any idea what the mandolin might be? Could the back have been replaced at some point?

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  2. #2
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson Mandolin Identification

    That stamped number is a factory order number (FON). It could be 5502 G 15. That would probably put it in the range of 1941 per Spann's Guide to Gibson.

    Also, instead of an A-50 I wonder if it is either an A-00 or A-1? I believe an A-50 of that time should have a pearl inlay on the headstock. Whereas both the A-00 and A-1 were silk screened. Otherwise, it looks like a decent find. Tuners are replaced (Rubners?)
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