A highly unusual wartime Gibson LG-2 Banner with an association with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, offered with its original vintage case bearing Emerson, Lake & Palmer identification.

This is a genuine WWII-era Gibson LG-2, dating to approximately 1945, with the distinctive “Only a Gibson is Good Enough” Banner decal on the headstock. The Factory Order Number visible inside the guitar is 1011, which places the instrument within the 1945 period of Gibson Banner production.

The guitar's principal distinction is its association with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, one of the defining progressive rock groups of the 1970s. The guitar was purchased from Denmark St, with its Emerson, Lake & Palmer connection forming part of the provenance represented at the time of purchase.

The guitar is accompanied by a vintage hard-shell case bearing an “Emerson, Lake & Palmer” identification label.

The LG-2 was Gibson's small-bodied X-braced flat-top acoustic and was produced throughout the wartime Banner period. Wartime production is particularly interesting because material shortages resulted in considerable variation between individual instruments.

This example is a particularly characterful survivor, with extensive original finish checking and the considerable wear, repairs and patina expected of an instrument that has spent more than 80 years in circulation. The guitar features the distinctive wartime Banner headstock and sunburst finish.

The LG-2 is presented in beautifully aged vintage condition, with extensive finish checking throughout. The checking is particularly striking across the sunburst top and gives the guitar an extraordinary amount of character.

There is considerable honest cosmetic wear consistent with the age and history of the instrument, including marks and scratches to the body, back and sides.

The original-style pickguard remains in place.

The instrument has a wonderfully deep, darkened vintage appearance, with the checking, patina and aged finish giving it a particularly distinctive look.

This is an 80+ year-old vintage instrument, and it should be bought as such.