Pair of American Mandolins, Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company, Kalamazoo, 1926

Description:

Pair of American Mandolins, Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company, Kalamazoo, 1926, Master Model F5, labeled THE GIBSON MASTER MODEL, STYLE F5 NUMBER 84264, IS HEREBY GUARANTEED...etc., the bound quartersawn back of strong narrow curl, the bound top of fine to medium grain, the sides of medium curl, the neck of strong medium curl, the bound peghead with THE GIBSON and "fern" pearl inlay, the bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, the tailpiece and pickguard original, length of back 13 3/8 in.

Master Model F5, labeled THE GIBSON MASTER MODEL F5 NUMBER 84265, IS HEREBY GUARANTEED...etc., the bound slab-cut back of irregular curl, the bound top of fine to medium grain, the sides of medium curl, the neck of strong medium curl, the bound peghead with THE GIBSON and "fern" pearl inlay, the bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, the tailpiece and pickguard original, length of back 13 3/8 in.
The original custom-built Artist double case with green velvet lining.
Provenance: Robert L. Sharp.

From the Sharp family archives;"As an agent for the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company in 1926, Robert L. Sharp ordered and purchased these twin F5 mandolins. He enjoyed playing these instruments in front of audiences in Memphis and Little Rock. If a mandolin string broke, he could reach down and pick up the twin without missing a note. These instruments became a part of the sharp family joining a guitar, mandocello, mandola, and ukulele all from Gibson in the late 20's and early 30's.

Our grandfather was born in Mississippi in 1889, the son of James Marshall Sharp and Minnie Johnson Sharp. He married our grandmother Marie Annette Wright in 1912. They share a love for music and actually met while attending music lessons in Memphis. As their family grew, so did their love of music and each child was expected to practice every Saturday until 2:00pm.

Robert L. Sharp died in a car accident in Brinkley, Arkansas on August 14, 1937. His musical instruments continued to be played by family members and enjoyed by several generations."


Estimate $120,000-160,000

Number 84265: minor chips to surface of top. Slightly distressed varnish surface on back, Medium fret ware, top five positions. Lost to gold plateing of tailpiece cover.

Number 84264: replaced top bridge section, original in case, slightly distressed varnish surface on back, surface check to top, slight loss to gold plating on tailpiece cover.

Case in good condition, distressed on edges.
Very strong instruments acoustically.

Keywords