Custom Vintage 1920-1921 The Gibson F2 Mandolin w/Original Case, Oval Label, Lloyd Loar Era! #38741

Thank you for taking the time to visit Blues Angel Music's Reverb store! Blues Angel Music, est. in 1997 in Pensacola, Florida, has been named by NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) as one of the "TOP 100" music stores in the USA since 2011!!! Your satisfaction is our #1 objective!
Vintage 1920-1921 The Gibson F2 Mandolin w/Original Case, Oval Label, Lloyd Loar Era!! Store Stock #38741
Blues Angel Music is very pleased to offer this Vintage 1920 Gibson F2 Mandolin w/ Original Case! It is a wonderful example of the Lloyd Loar Era at Gibson! Serial Number dating using online resources indicates this to be made in 1920. Howver, see the "Hardware" section below for an explanation of the possibility that it may in fact be a 1921 model. It shows noticeable cosmetic wear one would expect with a vintage, near 100-year-old instrument, yet is in Very Good to Excellent Cosmetic and Playing Condition! The neck is straight and the frets are dressed flat and low, indicative of the time.  It has been serviced, set up and cleaned! Minor finish crackling and surface marks add to the aged beauty of this wonderful instrument! Light wear and oxidation can be found on metal pieces.  The current owner inherited this instrument from his father back in the 70's, and it has remained in its case for decades! This mandolin is truly a time capsule to another period--it has been cased for most of its life! In fact, there is a light pattern in the finish of the back from it sitting untouched for years, on the velvet interior of the case! Everything appears to be original, except for the bracket on the pickguard! The instrument you see is the one you will receive. We invite you to view its 25 high-resolution photos carefully and to contact us with any questions you may have!
BodyThe body has various finish crackling, light scratches and an occasional ding, but still has a wonderful finish gloss! The back of the body has been off at some point (most likely more than 40 years ago). There is some spacing at the seam, but it is structurally sound. There is a light finish crack under the pickguard. The pickguard itself has moderate pick swirl, and bears the following: "PAT.MAR.30.'09".  It is missing the bracket that would anchor the pickguard to the back, but much of the original piece of felt where it would rest is still on the back. Oval rosette is in Excellent Condition! The binding is in fantastic shape, with very little shrinking and no cracks!
NeckThe neck is straight and the frets are dressed flat and low, as was customary as of the time of its manufacture. The fretboard is in great shape with no grooves, and the neck binding is in the same incredible shape as the body binding! Pearl dot inlays, black side inlays. The headstock scroll was broken off at some point, but has been repaired decades ago.  
LabelThe oval label inside the soundhole contains the following:"Patented Feb. 1, '98"   March 30, '06Other Patents PendingGibson MANDOLIN    Style F2Number 63053 is hereby GUARANTEED against faulty workmanship or material. Should this instrument, with proper care and usage, go wrong, we agree to repair it free of charge at our factory, or to replace it with another of same style or value.GIBSON MANDOLIN-GUITAR CO. (Manufacturers) Kalamazoo, Mich, U.S.A."
HardwareAll hardware appears to be original (including tailpiece, tuners and pegs), aside from the light-colored plastic bracket on the end of the pickguard. However, the bridge has the following inscription: "PAT'D JAN 18-21."  This leads us to conclude that either online resources are slightly incorrect for the last serial number used in 1920, or that the bridge was a later replacement.
CaseThe case is original to this mandolin, and is in matching condition to the instrument itself! All latches and hinges work, although the locking latch is just a tiny bit off and needs to be lined up in order to latch in place.  The exterior has plenty of scuffs and dings, but the inside is in Excellent Condition!  The brown leather handle is very old, but appears to be a replacement.
ALL of our instruments at Blues Angel Music are professionally detailed and set up by our very own Master Luthiers! We want your instrument to arrive in the best condition possible and ready to play!  Please note that temperature and humidity changes occurring during shipping may affect setup, and the responsibility of any desired changes to setup resides with the buyer.  Rest assured that most customers are satisfied with setup upon arrival!

Product Specs

Condition:Excellent Make:Gibson Model:F2 Mandolin Categories:Mandolins Year:1920-1921 Made In:United States