Summary
1928 manufacture date (traditional estimates)
1930 shipment date, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson
Guitar, Style L5
Serial 85568
Factory order number unknown
Description
Well here it is, the real thing, not a re- issue. Same year as Mother Maybelle's. It's unusual to have the block inlays with such an early serial number but the fingerboard appears to be original as does everything else on the guitar including the finish which is the nice tight sunburst on the spruce top and sunburst on the flame maple back with a bit of buckle rash in the usual spot. The guitar has mild player wear all over but no cracks other than an ancient well done center seam repair. It has obviously been very well cared for while being played. Gold tailpiece and tuning pegs and flowerpot inlay in the headstock. And ... the original hard shell case,while a bit shiny on the outside, is in pretty good shape
Source
From Lowell Levinger.
Lowell Levinger operates Vintage Instruments, stocking a wonderful inventory of top-end vintage mandolin family and other hard to find musical instruments
