Gibson 1942 Cello VC-110

The Gibson Cello featured on this page is somewhat different in features as compared to my 1941 cello on the previous page. The build construction is the same, but the pegs and possibly tailpiece were replaced. This piece has a large repaired neck and a couple of cracks. The positive about this cello is the finish. Towards the lower half of the front, it appears a grizzly bear clawed the finish. As with Gibson prewar cellos, the color is a chocolate brown and it is not as smoothly applied as one would see in a typical Gibson instrument of the period. If you are a Gibson purist, you may want to argue the 'handpainted' chocolate appearance. However, one must hold and examine these pieces to truly understand the finish variances. Only viewing photos online, does not make one an expert.

To further the mystery of these incredible pieces, not only were just a handful produced, but it seems just a simple brochure and a few inserts are the only means for explaining these short-lived prewar instruments. Thus, the photos described herein on this page and inclusive to all my Gibson Orchestral pieces are an attempt to shed a little light in what the Gibson Company kept quiet.

Photo from original 1941 Gibson Violin brochure. Note, the brochure is yellow in color.
G-110-242 dates this cello to the year of 1942.

Gibson 1942 Cello VC-110

Below, the photos capture a very well preserved three piece maple neck and scroll. The rosewood pegs were replaced, but please view my 1941 cello to see the original pegs.

Large repair in the neck joint. On close inspection, the original finish is present. The repair disrupts the finish, but no attempt to refinish or overspray. The neck joints on all five cellos I have encountered are finished with a chocolate brown, splotc

Gibson 1942 Cello VC-110

Below shows the repaired neck joint. Note photo #2, you can see the repair through the top of the ebonized rosewood fingerboard. 

The bottom half of this cello appears to have had its finish scraped down to the stain. Not a bother, as it helps as an indicator of the amount of lacquer used by the factory. The maple rims still have a beautiful curl.

Gibson 1942 Cello VC-110

Below are the maple rims. Note that once the finish passes the lower bout, it is in very nice condition. The last photo provides an image of the thickness of the original lacquer.

Gibson 1941 & 1942 Cello VC-110

The following photos are a side-by-side of the 1942 cello, left and 1941 cello, right.