Old Gibson model number and dating

[corvairfan]

My friend has a friend of his old Gibson. She thinks it is from the 1930's.

It doesn't say a model number but it looks like an LG1.

Stamped inside where the neck meets the body is 011834 L4. There is another small code(don't remember it) right below the soundhole were a manufucturer label is on new guitars.

Tuners say deluxe on them.

Any idea how to find out what model and year this is and it's value?

My friend put electric strings on there....LOL. But it sounds pretty good even with those. It is a smaller body guitar, pickguard is lifted, saddle is worn and so aren't pin holes. Needed tooth picks to lock in the E string. Tuners aren't in the best of shape.

Cool little guitar though.

[Jim]

You mention that it says L4 inside it. Does it look something like this:



If so, this is called an L4. They were made from 1912 through 1956. One in really nice condition that needs no work might sell for about the price of a 200 series Taylor which is not bad but it is also not an amount you can retire on.

[BigRed51]

Originally Posted by corvairfan

Stamped inside where the neck meets the body is 011834 L4. There is another small code(don't remember it) right below the soundhole were a manufucturer label is on new guitars.

Any idea how to find out what model and year this is and it's value?

L4 would make sense as a model number, but the 011 number does not seem to fit the serial number charts ... but this is from the Gibson web site ... might bw worth a try:

If you are still having difficulty identifying or dating your instrument, please send an email to Gibson Customer Service ([email protected]) or call us at 1-800-4GIBSON. If sending an email, make sure to include the following information to assist us in identifying and/or dating your instrument quickly and accurately-

A complete description including the serial number

Any information relating to the known history of the information – when and where purchased, any known repairs or modifications made –

Photos of the instrument – a total front and back shot should suffice, but hard to see information such as the front and back of the headstock and any inside labels would also he helpful.

[corvairfan]

Thanks for the help. I too thought it was an L4 because it has that number stamped but is definetly not that. Googling turned up the LG1 which is closer to what this looks like but I can't be sure.

The first digit is either a 0 or a 9..hard to read and it ends in 34 followed by L4.

It is my bad not being able to provide you an accurate number. But good idea about contacting Gibson..would clear it up pretty quick.

Looks sort of like this. She said it was from her father so maybe it is newer than she thinks?

http://guitarauction.com/pics/gibsonlg1f.jpg