Gibson F-5 # 72060, signed by Lloyd Loar on February 8, 1923: “The Green Hornet!”
Gibson mandolin style F-5, serial number 72060, Virzi label #10479, was signed and dated by acoustical engineer Lloyd Loar on Feb 8, 1923 and issued by the Gibson Mandolin and Guitar Co. of Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is the “Green Hornet,” a name it earned because the binding has aged to a lustrous green hue, and the notes fly out of the mandolin, zipping to the back wall of the concert hall! It is in extremely fine original condition, with all parts intact, never having needed repair. The signature label, serial number label and Virzi label are all in excellent condition and appear to be original, intact and unaltered in any way.
Features and appointments on Gibson F-5 # 72060 are completely original and consistent with factory specifications for this model and year. They include the classic carved top and parallel tone bar construction with f-holes, and long, one-piece curly maple neck (which places the bridge in the center of the f-holes); headstock inlay consisting of “The Gibson” and abalone flowerpot; pearl button tuners with notched endplate; hand-engraved tailpiece; pick guard following body points; all hardware silver plated; and light “Cremona” shaded-sunburst varnish finish. Gibson F-5 # 72060 is a very early example of the installation of the Virzi tone producer (Virzi # 10479), which is also in situ and in perfect condition. There have been no repairs, and remarkably, this mandolin is completely original including frets and bridge! An interesting and unique aspect of this mandolin is that the ivoroid binding has aged to a patina of green hue. This is an atypical aspect found on a few F-4 mandolins from the period, it is rarely seen in an F-5 and none that we know of to this extent. The original Geib and Sons case is included, in very good condition. Gibson F-5 #72060 has a wonderful tone, volume and response, absolutely one of the best F-5 mandolins we have ever encountered. Please inquire for additional information, photographs and terms of sale.