Serial number: 92033

Year shipped: 1935

FON: 1498

Headstock: Horizontal ‘Gibson’ script logo

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end and narrow block inlays from the first to the seventeenth frets

Body: Maple back and sides. Large unbound f-holes similar to those seen on some 17-inch Advanced L-5s. Has solid tone bars rather than the kerfed braces fitted to most later 16-inch examples

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including regular tailpiece

Notes: The pickguard, tuners and bridge are replacements. Some overspray to the finish, a repaired crack at the treble f-hole and resealed centre seam beneath the tailpiece. Has original hardshell case.

This L-5 displays a puzzling combination of features that include an ‘Advanced’ style fingerboard, large unbound f-holes and solid (rather than kerfed) tone bars. A possible explanation is that the both the fingerboard and top were replaced in the late 1930s. Returned to the factory for repairs on 2 January 1942.

This is one of 110 16-inch L-5s shipped in 1935

• 

• 

Images courtesy of Joe Vinikow