1916 Gibson A-3 Mandolin – Vintage Case – Very Good Playing Condition

Beautiful 1916 Gibson A-3 mandolin in very good playing condition, complete with a fitted vintage hard case believed to be original to the instrument.

Historical Identification

• Manufacturer: Gibson, Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Model: A-3
• Year: 1916
• Serial Number: 31817
• Factory Order Number: 3236

In 2002, I contacted Gibson directly and was informed that their factory records identified this instrument under Factory Order Number 3236, with the order dating to 1916.

This mandolin was handcrafted during Gibson's early period of instrument production and features a beautiful amber-finished spruce top, dark-finished back, decorative “The Gibson” headstock with inlay, elevated tortoiseshell-style pickguard, engraved Gibson tailpiece, and period-style tuners.

Condition

The mandolin is in very good playing condition and displays attractive age-related finish wear and patina consistent with its approximately 110-year history.

There is one very small, tight hairline near the outer edge of the spruce top (see image). It has not been professionally evaluated, and I cannot confirm whether it extends through the wood. It does not affect playability, and no repair has been performed.

The instrument is classified as Good under Reverb's condition categories to conservatively account for its age-related cosmetic wear and the small hairline.

Vintage Hard Case

Includes a fitted vintage hard case with purple interior lining. The case appears consistent with the mandolin's era, fits the instrument perfectly, and is believed to be original. It shows normal age-related wear.

This is an attractive example of an early Gibson A-3 mandolin with historical identification confirmed directly by Gibson.

Asking Price: $1,895 or best reasonable offer.

Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Inspection and playing demonstration available for serious buyers.