Scarce World War 1 era Gibson Army and Navy special style DY Mandolin, flat top form, mahogany with dark brown varnish, ebony fretboard with mother of pearl position markers, with celluloid tuning keys. Includes canvas case with pasted photographs of an unknown band. Mandolin is 25" L, 9 3/4" wide at widest point. Case: 4 1/2" H x 30 1/2" W x 15 1/2" D. Note: the Gibson Company produced these mandolins in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1918 into the 1920s. They were originally made to be sold "for a special low price for soldiers and sailors" (according to period advertising) in World War 1 military post exchanges around the world. Since they were not high dollar instruments, when they were damaged, the mandolins were usually discarded rather than repaired, and few survive today. A scan of a circa 1918 ad from The Cadenza magazine for one of these mandolins is available to the winning bidder.

PROVENANCE: Private collection, found in Middle Tennessee.

CONDITION: Modern Gibson neck has been glued on. Missing label and pick guard, bridge replaced (but original bridge retained). Several very tight repaired top cracks. Wear to case.