Gibson F-4 (1920)

Gibson F-4 (1920)

13-9886 Gibson 1920 F-4 mandolin, sunburst, 58180, exc, OH. Two delightful 1920 F-4 mandolins, almost a matched pair, having serial numbers only l,342 pieces apart, arrive within days of one another. l3-9867 shows no deterioration of the pickguard whatsoever, but is missing the celluloid attachment to the side-clamp while l3-9886 shows the very beginnings of celluloid oxidation on the guard but has its original celluloid side clamp buffer.

Each has considerable flame maple on its obverse but 13-9886 is more intensely and continuously flamey. Both have original tuners, patent-date pickguard, patent-date sideclamp, "The Gibson" floral engraved tailpiece cover. 13-9867 has a January 18, 1921 patent Gibson adjustable bridge, 13-9886 has a period one-piece ebony bridge, a slightly lighter color to the yelluloid in the rosette which suggests that it was not exposed very often to light (kept in the case mostly) and it also has an incredibly shiny tailpiece cover. Both mandolins are meticulously clean showing the most minor signs of having been played. Each has heavenly tone -- strong and melodious, rich and flavorful. 13-9867 has a tiny hairline fissure on the top at the body scroll (innocuous) and each mandolin has the tiniest little hairline (less than 1") on the back center seam near the bottom edge. Identical twins separated at birth? cariots of the gods? You tell us. Each: **$3919

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