1935 Gibson Kalamazoo Wards Sunburst
Description
Gibson Kalamazoo Mandolin Wards Label 1935 | $850 | (v2533) The story is well documented regarding Gibson resorting to 'budget' marketing in the throes of the great depression. These depression era instruments were made with various 'jobber' or sub-labels but made by the same workers using the same quality materials as the Gibson line, but lacked truss rods and, in the case of guitars, X-bracing, thereby saving production money. This mandolin was labeled 'Wards', and made by Gibson for sale in the venerable Montgomery Wards catalog.
Catalogs of the day indicate that this is a model 1607, akin to the Kalamazoo KM21 mandolin. The body is quality, solid wood construction with a likely pressed back and top, although some consider the tops carved on these earlier examples. The top is spruce with an attractive Gibson sunburst. The back and sides are mahogany. The neck is mahogany, carved in a 'V' typical of the era, and topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The Wards label is inside the body and the FON number and 'A' stamp (1935) are clearly visible.
The mandolin is in original condition. There is one small top crack below the finger board extension, and minimal nicks and finish wear overall. The original owner had blacked out the Wards label on the headstock and substituted his own name, "Eddie", which is also painted on the case giving this outfit a real thirties folksie vibe.
The mandolin has a nice straight neck, good top arching with low action. It plays well and has a very nice ring. Overall, a nice mid-thirties package.
Comes with its original Geib soft case, one hinge broken.
Catalogs of the day indicate that this is a model 1607, akin to the Kalamazoo KM21 mandolin. The body is quality, solid wood construction with a likely pressed back and top, although some consider the tops carved on these earlier examples. The top is spruce with an attractive Gibson sunburst. The back and sides are mahogany. The neck is mahogany, carved in a 'V' typical of the era, and topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The Wards label is inside the body and the FON number and 'A' stamp (1935) are clearly visible.
The mandolin is in original condition. There is one small top crack below the finger board extension, and minimal nicks and finish wear overall. The original owner had blacked out the Wards label on the headstock and substituted his own name, "Eddie", which is also painted on the case giving this outfit a real thirties folksie vibe.
The mandolin has a nice straight neck, good top arching with low action. It plays well and has a very nice ring. Overall, a nice mid-thirties package.
Comes with its original Geib soft case, one hinge broken.