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Thread: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

  1. #1

    Default 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    What's a fair value of a case like this (poor to fair condition)?

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    Chris from Tucson
    2007 Heiden Artist F5 #F102
    1919 Gibson A3 #49762 (found on eBay for $15!!)
    2022 Austin Clark Octave #159
    1922 Gibson H1 Mandola #70063
    1972 Martin D-18 (modified by Bryan Kimsey)
    2024 Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

  2. #2

    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    $125 I would reckon. I paid $175 for my A2 case- early 20s that was in better order. Some have nickel plated catches- mine did- and I think your case does and it has the original handle. Do all the latches clip down, okay? All these things add or subtract to the value- as does a plusher interior. I have filled small gouges on old cases with black Sugru and it makes the case far more presentable and glues down the ragged edges of the covering.

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  4. #3
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    If you found a 1919 A-3 for 15 bucks off evilbay, why would you want to sell the original case? If you have a better case to haul your A-3 around in, I'd keep the original case so when you sell "someday" you'll have the original case. I think thats important or are you looking to buy that case for your A-3? I'd say its worth 150 bucks, but with the original mando-you may thank me some day as many want the original cases no matter the condition. And I've seen way worse conditioned cases than yours.

    Just my advice and opinion

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  6. #4

    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    I must have missed the part about the $15 A-3.....?

  7. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    Quote Originally Posted by Jeff Mando View Post
    I must have missed the part about the $15 A-3.....?
    I think it was hypothetical.
    Jim

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    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

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  9. #6

    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    I think it was hypothetical.
    Ha! It wasn't hypothetical. I did get an A3 off eBay on a "Buy It Now" for $15.

    The case has been in my closet ever since (August of 2018). I'm not much of a hoarder and have never used it. A gentleman posted in the classifieds today that he was looking for one so I figured I would let the case go. I sold it for $150 plus $35 shipping.

    A3 plays great and looks a lot better in it's Hoffee case! I'll never sell it....heck, it was only $15 but I do value your opinion Mr. Smith!

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    Last edited by Chris Gray; Apr-04-2022 at 8:11pm. Reason: 2018...not 2019
    Chris from Tucson
    2007 Heiden Artist F5 #F102
    1919 Gibson A3 #49762 (found on eBay for $15!!)
    2022 Austin Clark Octave #159
    1922 Gibson H1 Mandola #70063
    1972 Martin D-18 (modified by Bryan Kimsey)
    2024 Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

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  11. #7

    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    That's awesome, Chris! When eBay first started, I probably spent about 18 hours a day looking for bargains, misspelled brand names, instruments put in the wrong category, mistakes, etc. While I never found a $15 Gibson, I did find many $300-400 guitars that I was able to resell (on eBay!) for 5 times what I paid. Back then the market was brisk and if you put the time in, you'd find something. It is good to know good deals are still out there!

  12. #8
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    I just saw your posted sweet mandos at the bottom You did good to help a fellow cafe person get a case they wanted bad, so I get why you separated them. I do the same stuff with parts, cases, instruments etc. I just have a thing for originality, I'm no fan of the shaped cases as the peg heads flop around so much "unless extra padding" and they don't really hold no case goodies like an oblong etc. Great score on the A-3! Was it a white "Amana" top?

  13. #9
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    Wow that was an amazing buy! I can understand at a flea market but on eBay? Wow!
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
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    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  14. #10

    Default Re: 1919 Gibson A3 Case

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    Was it a white "Amana" top?
    Yep, white top. It did have a back crack that I had my luthier repair and it's holding up well. I had him refret it too.

    I still crack up that she had it listed as a "1998" because the '98 Gibson Patented Guarantee Sticker
    Chris from Tucson
    2007 Heiden Artist F5 #F102
    1919 Gibson A3 #49762 (found on eBay for $15!!)
    2022 Austin Clark Octave #159
    1922 Gibson H1 Mandola #70063
    1972 Martin D-18 (modified by Bryan Kimsey)
    2024 Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

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