Definitely not a Gibson. It looks like something from the Regal company from the 1920'-30's. If it's playable, I'd say that you got a great deal. That tailpiece is worth more than $50.
"it's not in bad taste, if it's funny" - john waters
I'd say Stromberg-Voisinet/Kay factory rather than Regal.
But it's had some modifications done; that headstock has been worked on a good deal. As you note, those aren't the original tuners and the headstock might have been cut down from a different shape.
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This shows the back of the headstock in original shape- one assumes the grommets broke and whoever had it planed the back of the headstock and hacked at those 60s Kluson units. The tailpiece alone is worth $50 plus, so it is a good buy. It looks like the bridge may need to be seated a bit better but if it plays, then it is a good bargain.
https://reverb.com/item/14061989-str...1920-s-natural
Here is an appreciation of one. From the photos, I cannot tell what wood has been used for the back- they came at various price points to be sold by third parties:
https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/20...y-2-point.html
Interesting mods. The dark circle at the neck heel might be a carefully done and refinished plug over an added bolt, as in Wildwood’s refurb. The headstock revision also skilled, as it may have involved transplanting a Gibson veneer, having binding altered, and cutting down the tuners.
From the few recent auctions, I think these are appreciated for the shape, and are valued a bit higher than plainer designs. Bet it even plays well.
Definitely started life as a Stromberg-Voisinet (or subsequent Kay) mandolin. Here’s my Stromberg-Voisinet from the 20s with the strange tuners:
For the OP’s “Gibson”, I’m guessing that they started with a Kay version with “normal” tuners, and then installed new tuners and a Gibson decal. I’ve seen a couple of guitars similarly and equally unsuccessfully transformed into Gibsons. The price of some of the more sought-after vintage models seem to be high enough to make it attractive to those skilled in forgery.
Still, it’s a cool mando at a great price.
appears to have a repaired peghead
Also the modifier of this mandolin must have been a fan of cherry sunburst Gibsons. This one was refinished to go with the logo. I had a friend who bought a nice 1920s L-1 Gibson guitar that had been sent back to Gibson repair dept. who decided to refinish it as a cherry sunburst. Yech! My least favorite look on a guitar. Oh well… as long as it sounds and plays well.
Jim
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Thanks everyone for the great info. It definitely seems to point toward Stromberg-Voisinet/Kay. The finish/lacquer on it is awesome which is likely why someone thought it was Gibson to begin with. The plugs all seem nicely done as well but I find it odd that the tuners that were added don't seem on par with the rest of the work done to it. Anyway, thanks again for the info!
I am pretty sure that it was stripped of the original finish and completely redone.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
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
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