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1913 Gibson F-2 Artist Mandolin
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Serial #: 14811, white oval Gibson label
Materials: Solid bookmatched hand graduated spruce top; solid birch back and sides; solid Mexican mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo and fingerboard inlays; ivoroid soundhole purfling, body and neck binding; polished bone nut.
Hardware: All original nickel hardware includes Handel gear-over tuners with inlaid ivoroid buttons; engraved script tailpiece; Pat. # tortoise celluloid pickguard with Pat. Applied For clamp; solid ebony bridge with bone saddle.
Notes: Introduced in 1902, the Gibson's F-2 'Artist' mandolin was built with a three point 'Florentine' scroll body, inlaid tortoise pickguard, and striking checkerboard binding. By 1911 the two point body made its debut, and though available in orange or sunburst as an option, most examples are seen in this lustrous ebony varnish finish, which was standard through this model year.
This handsome example has been maintained in fine shape, with all original finish and hardware, including the inlaid Handel tuners, script engraved tailpiece cover, and Pat. # celluloid tortoise pickguard. The instrument has little in the way of pick, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows only light scattered finish nicks, mostly confined to the back. A typical hairline crack at the peghead scroll has been soundly resealed, and a small finish-only crack is visible near the body scroll.
The generous 1 3/16" nut width will be welcome to modern players, and the instrument plays easily, with smooth recent vintage style fretwork, and a fresh high precision setup. The tone is clear and vibrant, with excellent projection and natural reverb, from tonewood finely aged for over a century.
Complete with its original plush lined hardshell case, the instrument is a true delight, both to play and to behold. One only: call now.
