Mandolin
Maker
Gibson
Date1914
Place MadeKalamazoo, Michigan, United States, North America
ModelF4 Artists' model
Serial No.17800
SignedText in an oval, white paper label, with black ink: Patented Feb. 1, ’98
Patented March 30, ’06
Other patents Pending
Gibson Mandolin Style 74
Number 17800 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.
Note: the word “Mandolin,” 74 & 17800 are handwritten.
Inlaid in mother-of-pearl on peghead; also stamped onto tailpiece: The Gibson
DescriptionThe Style F-4 was Gibson's most deluxe mandolin in 1914. By this time, the Style F had undergone some important changes. Gibson had replaced the inlaid pick guard with a raised one mounted on metal brackets by 1908. They further modified the Style F body in 1910, eliminating one of the "points" near the scrolled upper rib. In 1911, they added the famous double flower pot inlay to the headstock. The 1914 Style F-4 is still very popular among Gibson aficionados and bluegrass players.
Published ReferencesAndré P. Larson, "Recent Acquisitions," America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter, Vol. 25, No. 1 (October 1997), p. 6.
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 1997
Object number06070
On View
Not on view
