1915 Gibson F-2 27890
Circa 1915 Gibson mandolin style F-2, serial number 27890; Factory order number 2743 (stamped on neck block). A beautiful example from the Glory Days of the Mandolin Boom, with a loving facelift at the Kalamazoo Gibson factory right after WWII. We have received this from the second owner who purchased it in 1930. Features and appointments on Gibson F-2 # 27890 are consistent with factory specifications for this model and year. Original features include carved spruce top with oval soundhole; back and sides of birch; neck of mahogany joining body at 12th fret; headstock inlay consisting of mother-of-pearl “The Gibson” with ‘i” on the T; dovetailed ivory & bone point caps; Handel tuning machines with plastic buttons decorated with delicate pearl and silver inlays; elevated pick guard; nickel plating on hardware; redburst varnish finish.
Gibson F-2 # 27890 is in excellent condition with many original appointments. The peghead appears to have had moisture damage and it is our assessment that the instrument was sent back to Gibson in 1948 for a repair of the peghead and “factory refreshment,” which included refinish of the peghead and a topcoat of French polish on the body. It also received a shaped Geib and Schaefer hard shell case and compensated adjustable ebony bridge that appear consistent with the Loar era. Gibson F-2 is in fine playing condition with straight neck, low action, nice top profile and all braces, bindings and seams have been assessed for structural stability. In short, it is ready to bring joy to a musician for another 100 years. A beautiful, historically important instrument for only $2750, which includes free shipping to continental US and we share shipping cost to selected overseas destinations.