Thanks to Tim from Texas for this
great 1987 A-5.  What a classic!  
Tim shares the following info:  
I got my Flatiron A-5 Artist from
an individual from East Texas.  I
traded him my Ratliff RA-5
mandolin and some cash difference
for it.  I have done a few upgrades
to it including an Allen cast tail
piece, a fossilized ivory bridge,
Siren arm rest, and a Weber Wood
nymph.  The strap was a had made
creation by my daughter.  It is a
great mandolin with the balanced
tone you expect from the Carlson
era instruments.  This one has an
April of 1987 serial number, just
before the Gibson purchase of
Flatiron.
Flatiron 1987 A-5 Artist