Epiphone John Lennon “1965” Casino – USA Collection – Limited Edition No. 274 of 1965 – Original Case & Documentation

A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally complete example of the Epiphone John Lennon “1965” Casino, from the highly regarded USA Collection limited edition of just 1,965 instruments.

This particular guitar is No. 274 of 1965, as recorded on its original Certificate of Authenticity and on the numbered documentation visible through the bass-side F-hole. The guitar itself carries serial number 328393.

Produced in cooperation with the John Lennon Estate, this limited-edition model was created as a faithful recreation of Lennon’s original 1965 Epiphone Casino before the finish was stripped from his original guitar. It features the classic sunburst finish, twin P-90 pickups, trapeze tailpiece, period-style hardware and distinctive Lennon-specification appointments.

Condition

The guitar is in Very Good condition, particularly impressive for an instrument now more than 25 years old.

The sunburst body presents extremely well, retaining a deep gloss and strong colour, with only light signs of age and use. The back is similarly clean and glossy.

There are some genuine age-related cosmetic marks, most noticeably around the edges and sides of the headstock, which have been deliberately photographed in detail. The hardware also shows the natural patina, light tarnishing and ageing expected of an instrument of this vintage.

The fingerboard, frets, binding, pickups, controls, bridge and tailpiece are all shown closely in the photographs so that the condition can be judged properly.

This has not been artificially restored or cosmetically altered to disguise its age.

Factory Originality

This guitar remains in factory-original specification with no modifications or alterations.

The pickups, electronics, hardware, tuners, bridge, tailpiece, pickguard and fittings are all as supplied. Nothing has been changed in an attempt to modernise or “improve” the instrument.

For a limited-production collector’s Casino of this age, that originality is an important part of its appeal.

Original Case

The guitar is accompanied by its original fitted Epiphone hard case, with the distinctive deep pink/magenta plush interior and matching protective shroud.

The case is itself now more than a quarter of a century old and consequently shows normal signs of age and use, but remains an important part of the original package.

Original Documentation

One of the strongest features of this particular example is the amount of original Epiphone documentation that has remained with the guitar.

Included are:

• Original Certificate of Authenticity, identifying the guitar as No. 274/1965
• Original Epiphone “USA Collection – The John Lennon Limited Edition Casinos” fold-out brochure
• Original “Imagine…” Epiphone literature
• Original Epiphone “Imagine…” envelope

The Certificate of Authenticity has been folded and shows creasing and age-related handling, while the original envelope also shows wear and some tearing. I have intentionally photographed these exactly as they are rather than attempting to restore or improve them.

The internal numbered documentation can also be seen through the guitar’s F-hole and again identifies the instrument as No. 274 of 1965.

Collector Appeal

These USA Collection Lennon Casinos were produced in very limited numbers and have become increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples retaining their original case and numbered documentation.

The appeal of this particular example lies in its factory originality, condition, numbered provenance and unusually complete accompanying package of original case, Certificate of Authenticity and Epiphone literature.

This is not simply a later Casino carrying John Lennon styling; it is one of the dedicated 1,965-example John Lennon “1965” limited-edition instruments, numbered 274/1965.

It would make an excellent addition to a serious Beatles, John Lennon, Epiphone or vintage-inspired guitar collection, while remaining a fully usable musical instrument rather than simply a display piece.

The extensive photographs form part of the description and include detailed images of the body, neck, fingerboard, pickups, controls, hardware, headstock, serial number, original case and documentation.

Serial number: 328393
Limited Edition number: 274 of 1965
Finish: Vintage Sunburst
Configuration: Twin P-90 pickups
Included: Original fitted hard case, Certificate of Authenticity, original Epiphone brochure/literature and envelope
Modifications: None – factory-original specification

I am happy to answer sensible questions or provide additional detailed photographs to a serious prospective buyer.