The A3 is the second-fanciest Gibson A-style mandolin from the first two decades of the 20th century. I get the impression that it was produced in smaller quantities than any of Gibson's other A-style mandolins. It had many of the nicer appointments (double soundhole ring, top and back binding, MOP headstock decoration), but lacked some of the flair of the fancier A4. A3s produced after 1918 were famously painted "refrigerator white," but before then they had honey amber or pumpkin tops, like this one.
     The mandolin dates from 1914 and appears to have all its original hardware: tuners, tailpiece, endpin, bridge, pickguard, and mounting bracket with the 1911 patent date stamp.
     The 3-piece neck is made from two pieces of mahogany with an ebony center stripe. The top is spruce; the sides and 2-piece back are birch.
     Typical A3 vine inlay on the headstock. Like many A3s, this has particularly nice oval-hole tone. It has, however, been around the block, with a few large scratches in the top and someone's initials carved in the back of the headstock. It might win a beauty contest for tone, but not for looks. It's accompanied by its original hardshell case.
     Dealers lucky enough to get hold of a vintage A3 often want $2,200 or more for it. Given its condition, this is definitely a player's instrument and is offered at a more realistic price. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. $1,700 plus shipping.