Is this a legitimate Gibson?

[mkh]

Hello all,

 

I recently acquired this old archtop guitar but I hold very little knowledge to try and establish if it is a genuine Gibson or just a 'Jibson'. I wondered if someone would kindly help me out a bit.

As far as I am aware, there has been no repairs done to the guitar. Everything seems original except a floating bridge pick up has been put on it (I still have the original bridge).

It seems like the body resembles an L-30 or maybe an L-37? The back of the guitar is completely black and there is a white 'band' around the sides of the guitar like the L-30 and L-37.

 

There is no serial number on the back of the headstock and when I look inside I cannot see any serial numbers or labels but it is extremely dusty in there.

 

I love this guitar, it plays beautifully. I am just very intrigued to find out what it might be and if it does have any value.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[JimR56]

I think it's safe to say that you have a legit old Gibson there. :) You're on the right track with regard to the model. The L-30 and L-37 were very similar models, and would have very similar (modest) values today. You could get some idea what they're worth by searching the web (ebay, gbase, etc).

 

More info here: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/104730-gibson-l-30-or-l-37/

 

and

 

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/71222-trying-to-id-l-series-gibson-please-help-its-for-a-good-cause/

[mkh]

Thanks very much for the reply Jim. I hope you're right, I'm going to see if I can find out a bit more.

I've had a go at cleaning off some of the grim/dust inside the guitar with an earbud and can make out a '6' and maybe a '/' that is in red pen/pencil. They are visible from the treble f-hole. Do you think this could be part of a serial number?