This early Gibson company “A Style” mandolin was found at a garage sale a few years ago. It is believed that Gibson began their serial numbers with 2501, which makes this the 6th instrument to come off the factory line. Curiously, the company paid Orville $2500 for the use of his patent. Maybe they considered each instrument an extension of that investment.

With mandolin #2506, the sound hole that Orville carved from the upper body leading into the neck cavity is conspicuously missing. Note the positioning brads on the rim and the pencil marks below.

Photos are the property of, and appear courtesy of, Bart Weststrate.