Circa 1906 Gibson L-1 Archtop – Concert Body – Antique Case Included

Offered for sale is an early Gibson L-1 archtop acoustic guitar, believed to date to approximately 1906, representing one of the earliest periods of Gibson guitar production.

I acquired this instrument through an estate auction in Indiana and have preserved it in the condition in which it was found. I have previously corresponded with Gibson regarding its age and believe it dates to circa 1906.

The guitar features a concert-sized body measuring approximately 13.5 inches across the lower bout, with an arched soundboard and distinctive two-piece back. The neck joins the body at the 13th fret. Its headstock retains the early gold “The Gibson” script and characteristic headstock shape associated with Gibson’s early instruments.

Inside the round soundhole is an aged oval Gibson Manufacturing Co. label featuring Orville Gibson’s portrait, the Kalamazoo, Michigan identification, and an 1898 patent reference. No serial number has been located.

The instrument has undergone modifications during its lifetime. Six exposed string-anchor holes remain visible in the soundboard, indicating an earlier bridge and string-anchoring arrangement. The guitar is currently equipped with a wooden bridge and metal trapeze tailpiece.

The headstock features open-gear, three-on-a-plate tuning machines. Unused mounting holes beneath the current tuner plates suggest that longer tuning-machine plates were previously installed. The D-string tuning machine is missing its button.

Condition & Playability

The instrument displays considerable age-related wear, including scratches, finish deterioration, hardware modifications, and areas of cracking or joint separation. It remains unrestored and has not undergone a professional structural evaluation while in my possession.

While in my possession, the guitar was successfully tuned and lightly strummed. It has demonstrated that it can produce sound under string tension, but that doesn’t establish that it’s currently playable.

I subsequently loosened the strings as a precaution to avoid unnecessary tension on the aging instrument. Its current tuning stability, action, structural integrity, and overall playability have not been professionally evaluated.

Included Antique Case

The guitar comes with an older fitted case showing substantial age and wear. The case has aged fabric covering, an interior lining, leather straps, and metal hardware. Its exact date of manufacture and originality to the guitar have not been verified.

Additional Information

This guitar is being offered as an early Gibson historical collectible and potential restoration project. It has not been professionally appraised, and the originality of all individual components has not been fully established.

The photographs document its current condition, construction, label, hardware, and visible imperfections. Additional detailed photographs and measurements are available upon request.

Please review all photographs carefully and feel free to contact me with questions before purchasing.