1935 Gibson Style A-C Mandolin
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GUEST:
I was about ten years old. That was in 1935. I started taking mandolin lessons, and I had one of those beginners. And then I wanted to join the plectrum orchestra, and Pop bought me this Gibson mandolin. And we played in the orchestra, and we were on the radio Tuesdays and Thursday nights. (laughing)
APPRAISER:
That's great. Well, this was actually made in 1935.
GUEST:
It was?
APPRAISER:
You got it brand new. Your dad was a good dad, he got you a brand new Gibson mandolin.
GUEST:
He was a very good dad.
APPRAISER:
And it's a very rare model. This is the Gibson AC model, Century, or also known as the Century of Progress model mandolin. They made a Century of Progress model guitar and a Hawaiian model guitar, and an arch top guitar all with this same pearloid finger board and spruce carved arch top. But the back is flat maple. So in fact it was not an expensive mandolin to make for them, but it was a fancy mandolin. Pretty flashy. I bet you were the flashiest mandolin player in your orchestra.
GUEST:
Oh, and I was on the first row.
APPRAISER:
Well, I think in a retail situation it's worth about $2,500 to $3,000. It's in unbelievably clean condition. I've never seen one this nice.
GUEST:
Really?
APPRAISER:
Really, this is the best one I've ever seen.
GUEST:
My father would have been proud of me keeping it this well.
APPRAISER:
I would have thought so.
Appraisal Details
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