Serial number: 97173

Year shipped: 1941 

FON: 4159G

Headstock: Horizontal ‘Gibson’ script logo (lacks a dot over the letter ‘i.’). Truss rod cover engraved with the name ‘Bud’

Neck/fingerboard: 20 fret fingerboard with pointed end and narrow block inlays from the first fret. Wide neck heel

Body: 17-inch body with maple back and sides, Natural finish and large bound f-holes 

Hardware: Gold-plated metal parts including Varitone tailpiece and Kluson Sealfast tuners with Catalin buttons. Rosewood bridge with pearl inlays

Notes: Missing pickguard. This guitar was originally shipped on 26th September 1941 to Lyon & Healy in Chicago, Illinois

This guitar is one of 41 Natural finished Advanced L-5s shipped in 1941

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Don Belter shares the story of his guitar with us:

“This L-5N belonged to my dad, Edmund Joseph ‘Bud’ Belter. He lived in Chicago and played most every weekend, generally with the Hal Davis Orchestra. He also played with other musicians and on one occasion appeared with Duke Ellington as a ‘sit in’ musician! My dad passed away in 1967 at the age of 52 and I have had the L-5 ever since then (wow, that’s 50 years ago!) He earned his living as an auto body and fender repairman. His last residence was in Arlington Heights Illinois, where my 101 year old mom still lives.”

Images courtesy of Don Belter