Help me date my 335!

[pewa]

Hi all.

 

I need some help to date my guitar. I've tried to ask some representatives from Gibson Sweden but they told me to contact this forum, so here I am!

The guitar was bought in a used condition, some scratches and marks here and there, in 1981 by me. I've not played very much, since i mostly play acoustic, but i really love the guitar!

But my main question is, how old is it? At the back of the headstock the printing reads: 402655, Made in USA,

it was very hard to get that on the photos!

I would be very glad if someone could help me date this beautiful guitar and possibly give me a rough estimation of realistic value, if i ever should come to sell it !

Many thanks in advance.

 

Peter

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4601207840_cd5d339eed.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/4601207778_d24b71149d.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/4600591601_a419eecc1e.jpg

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/4601207614_ab2a8d52fb.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/4601207550_feb072085f.jpg

[L5Larry]

From the serial number, combined with the "Made In USA", the witch hat knobs, trapeze taipiece, purple label.....

 

I would say 1974, or early '75. The screwed up six-digit serial number system ended some time in early '75 with the introduction of the "prefix" code system.

 

I sold my 1975 sunburst ES-335 about 8 years ago for $1600. Your best estimate of current market value will be found by researching e-bay's "completed auctions" for actual selling prices of similar year/style/finish/condition guitars.

[BobB]

www.gruhn.com and www.mandoweb.com are vintage dealers who have appraisal services available. There is a small charge for their services, but you would have written documentation of value for insurance or should you ever decide to offer it for sale.