Up for sale is one of the last of the last of my collection--a 1954 Gibson ES-295 Sunburst.  I know that the vast majority of this model from 53-54 were finished in a gold color, making the sunburst very special, unique, and even more difficult to find. There is no way to determine how few guitars finished in other than the usual gold were made but all of these guitars are highly sought after since only 1,770 in total were made between 1952 and 1958.  This guitar has the correct oval white label indicating a serial number of A18041 designating that it was finished in 1954.  The factory order number stamped on the inside body under the other f hole is Y6985, indicating a production date of 1953.The guitar is in VG condition and is missing the original pickguard.  It has just been returned to me after a complete setup.

Regarding the finish, I am not a luthier but to my eyes this is not a refinish.  But let's be honest--a sunburst or cherry sunburst finished ES-295 from 1953-54 is so very rare that its value is listed between $15,000 and $25,000.  If I am wrong and it has been refinished the value drops by about 40%.  The lack of an original pickguard further diminishes the value (generously) by $500-$1,000.  The numbers work out as follows:

Avg value of a VG 1954 ES-295 in rare sunburst finish ....................$18,000

Downgrade IF is has been refinished (40%)......................................... (7,200)

Missing original pickguard......................................................................    (950)

 Value worst case ............... .....................................................................$ 9,850

Selling Fee .............................................................................................500

Listing Price ......................................................................................$10,350

So as the worst case the listed price on this very, very rare 72-year old iconic instrument reflects fair market value and best case (if I am correct and it hasn't been refinished) the listed price is $7,200 below its actual value.

 It comes with a new hardshell case.  Actual shipping is $105 and insurance is 4% or $414.