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mandolin - Gibson A-3 (1919) - $1,850 (near College Park, MD)
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The hand-graduated carved top is spruce (Adirondack spruce, they say), with its original factory white lacquer (AKA "Antique Ivory"). The back and sides are either maple, birch, or mahogany, depending on which reference book you rely on (the 1917 Gibson catalog said the A-3 was made of maple). The neck is mahogany, with ebony fretboard. The one-piece compensated bridge appears to be the original (intonation is good); I think it is ebony. Grained ivory binding on body and fingerboard. Ivroid soundhole rosette. Vine pattern headstock inlay. German silver flip-up tailpiece with "The Gibson" engraving.
I acquired the mandolin in 1993 and had the lowest five frets professionally replaced. The tuning machines are also replacements, mechanically superior to the originals, and with pearl buttons. The instrument has had some minor repairs over its long life, but it is structurally sound-- the top is properly curved and the neck properly aligned, in my judgment.
Excellent tone and volume with medium-gauge strings-- very suitable for Celtic, old-time, etc.
This mandolin has installed a small Barcus-Berry "Insider" model piezo transducer pickup (passive, no battery required), allowing it to be plugged into a suitable amp if desired.
Scale length 14 inches, nut width 1 and 3/16 inches.
The mandolin is currently housed in a modern hard case that is in excellent condition. The new owner will also receive the original factory hard case, which is rather battered. Also included: The original white "ivroid" pickguard and its 1911 patented German-silver bracket, by which the elevated pickguard can be affixed to the mandolin and bridge; I don't like a pickguard on a mandolin and I have never mounted it. The pickguard is a bit warped and a bit yellowish.
$1,850. Offers will be respectfully considered. Cash sale only.