This is the first wine red one I have seen. I have seen several of the burst on the internet, including mine. It was rumored that eye witness accounts had as many as 8 or 9 of these that actually left the factory, but to my knowledge, that rumor has no actual documentation. I freaked when I found mine. I took it to George Gruhn also to have him authenticate it. If you go to
www.bluebookofguitarvalues.com and look up the ES 240, the illustration is my guitar. I exchanged many emails with Zachary Fjestad and he agreed to use my pictures for the illustration for his book/CD. The one distinction mine has over the others I have seen, is mine has Grover Imperial tuners. George suggested that these were not original, although, during the Norlin period of the 1970's, Gibson was experimenting with different models and using what parts they had available, so it has been said. I personally believe they are the original tuners that came on the guitar. I think it's great that an open forum has been established for us 240 owners. They truly are rare birds, and although they may not command the attention of some of the other rare models, I think it is only a matter of time before the 240 assumes it's proper place in the collection circles as well. Ciao.