The F5 Mandolin of Lloyd Loar

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The mandolin is a stringed instrument derived from the lute. This instrument played by hand (without bow) was known to accompany the Neapolitan songs, before crossing the Atlantic to the benefit of country music.

In the U.S., Orville Gibson in 1898 patented a new type of mandolin, now recognizable to an asymmetric shape which is visually a forerunner of modern electric guitars. The pioneer did not take advantage of his inventions, but his name remains a symbol of the guitar with the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg.. Co., Ltd..

Working for this company, Lloyd Loar created the most prestigious model of American mandolin, the F5, with f shaped holes like a violin.

Skinner is auctioning on October 11 in Boston a F5 copy made by Loar for Gibson company in 1924. The condition is very good, but it was refinished. The estimate of 70 K$ is reasonable when compared to a brand copy, never played, which would have reached 200 K$ in a private transaction according to Wikipedia (on Lloyd Loar).

The catalog of the auction house encourages sharing. Here's the direct link to this lot. Thank you Skinner!

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This interesting instrument has been sold 70 K$ including premium.