Gibson A Jr with binding?

[tazhills]

Hi,

I just picked up a Gibson A Jr today that has binding. I know very little about mandolins, but have always been interested. I've looked around and from what I've seen, A Jr's didn't come with binding or fret markers on the side of the fretboard, but this one does. Just looking for a little info on what I have.

Thanks!

[Eric Platt]

Have not seen one before, but not saying it isn't possible that's original. There is a thread in a different section that mentions a couple of batches of A-1 models that had tortoise binding.

Your serial number indicates 1923. Do you know the FON which might be marked near the neck block?

[tazhills]

Thanks Eric. I’ll go ahead and get in there with a light and mirror when I get back to see if I can get the FON. Hopefully I’ll be able to see it, once I have it I'll post it. Thanks again!

[MikeEdgerton]

The only thing consistent in Gibson manufacturing from that era is inconsistency. Anything is possible.

[tazhills]

I've definitely seen this with this with their Norlin era guitars too. Makes it interesting for sure.

[tazhills]

Hey Eric, found the FON, it's 11768. I'll do a little research to see what I can find out.

[Eric Platt]

The FON would place it late in 1922. That particular batch is not shown in the Spann guide.

[tazhills]

Thank you for looking it up, I appreciate it!