Hey, I'm Joel from ATX

[JoelH 0]

Long time player. Played in several bands 1980s & 1990s. Black GibsonSG batwing/Marshall JCM 900.

I was just gifted with what appears to be an Epiphone Wilshire with P90 pickups, but it's not in my possession yet. No serial numbers visible. Only info I have is that it was purchased about 47 years ago. Almost perfect condition except for a weird-looking vibrato bar that was added. Wondering if it's authentic or fake. Here's a pic and I would really appreciate any info anyone might provide.

[ashtone 3]

That looks to be original, and probably late ‘60’s. Not possible to be certain without serial number and better/closer photos. 
It’s not “fake” because nobody would go to the trouble to fake that model; the value isn’t there. Not that it isn’t worth much, just that it’s not tens of thousands of dollars, so not worth the effort it would take to create. Try looking up the sold values on Reverb if you are trying to establish a value. The Vibrola is original, as is the finish as far as I can tell from the photo. 
Nice little guitar! I’m sure it sounds great with those P-90’s; very much like an SG special, except it has an ABR abridge instead of the stop tailpiece bridge an SG Special came with.

[ashtone 3]

Early ‘60’s; not late ‘60’s.. The P-90’s were later replaced with mini humbuckings. 
There's one very close to this one on eBay for $9,999.00, but that’s the asking price. Here’s the eBay item number: 164293364495
 

[JoelH 0]

2 hours ago, ashtone said:

That looks to be original, and probably late ‘60’s. Not possible to be certain without serial number and better/closer photos. 
It’s not “fake” because nobody would go to the trouble to fake that model; the value isn’t there. Not that it isn’t worth much, just that it’s not tens of thousands of dollars, so not worth the effort it would take to create. Try looking up the sold values on Reverb if you are trying to establish a value. The Vibrola is original, as is the finish as far as I can tell from the photo. 
Nice little guitar! I’m sure it sounds great with those P-90’s; very much like an SG special, except it has an ABR abridge instead of the stop tailpiece bridge an SG Special came with.

Thanks a ton for the useful info. Can't wait to actually get my hands on it. Hopefully then I can nail down serial number, etc. Person sending it to me is unable to help much in this area, but she sure was kind to gift me with this after her hubby passed away.

[JoelH 0]

7 minutes ago, ashtone said:

Early ‘60’s; not late ‘60’s.. The P-90’s were later replaced with mini humbuckings. 
There's one very close to this one on eBay for $9,999.00, but that’s the asking price. Here’s the eBay item number: 164293364495
 

Thanks. That's what I've been seeing as well. Just hoping mine will be worth anywhere near that.

 

[tx-ogre 318]

Welcome aboard from a fellow ATX area dweller.  Congrats on your pending receipt of the Wiltshire.  I always thought they were cool guitars.

You may also want to post your question to the Epiphone Electrics forum.  A lot of knowledgeable people hang out there.

[mihcmac 538]

Looks authentic to me.. Very very nice..

1959-1962 Epiphone Wilshire

http://www.epiphonewiki.org/index/Wilshire.php#Wilshire

[Sgt. Pepper 589]

Great first name. Welcome.

[Retired 707]

Welcome JoelH to the forum.  Nice guitar, Looks authentic to me too but then I'm no expert.  

[JoelH 0]

Thanks. Glad to be here.

[JoelH 0]

I should be receiving my Epi Wilshire tomorrow. Very excited.

Question: has anyone else seen one of these or similar Epiphone guitars on which the large E logo is sitting at a 90 degree angle from how it's normally positioned?

Edited July 21 by JoelH

[JoelH 0]

Finally got the Epiphone Wilshire. Pretty good condition. Minor scuffs and finish crackle, but gives it character, right?

Serial number confirms it's a 1962 model.

Currently having it set up by some really good people @ South Austin Music.

 

[ashtone 3]

Hers someone you may recognize playing a Wiltshire like yours...

[JoelH 0]

Aww move over Rover – and let Jimi take over.

[JoelH 0]

[ashtone 3]

Good call on the angled plug. I’ve fixed numerous Gibson guitars with that top mounted jack. The wood is thin, and it doesn’t take much to crack or break with the torque applied when stepping on a cord with a straight plug.

[JoelH 0]

Exactly. Been using 'L' ends for years on my SG.

Edited July 24 by JoelH

[JoelH 0]

Question: has anyone else seen one of these or similar Epiphone guitars on which the large E logo is sitting at a 90 degree angle from how it's normally positioned?

[ashtone 3]

...and here ya go.

[Retired 707]

21 hours ago, JoelH said:

Question: has anyone else seen one of these or similar Epiphone guitars on which the large E logo is sitting at a 90 degree angle from how it's normally positioned?

No. Usually they're placed on the pick guard at an angle.