Gibson L-O model acoustic flattop guitar 1931 Mahogany

Certified by Gruhn Guitars in an appraisal dated May 23, 2018 to be a 1931 Gibson model L-O acoustic flattop guitar, made in August of 1931 based on the FON. My Father originally owned it and it was passed to me. It has received little play in its 87 years so the frets etc show little wear. It is a beautiful instrument that deserves to be with someone who will master it, play it, as it was always intended to be played.

Here is a copy of the appraisal by Gruhn:
 

We appreciate you reaching out to Gruhn Guitars to find out more about your instrument. The appraisal you requested is copied below and the original will be sent to you by mail. As always, please feel free to get in touch with any questions or if there is anything further we can do to help.

Sincerely,

Gruhn Guitars

May 23, 2018

I have examined the attached photos of the instrument described below, but have not seen the instrument itself. Below is my estimate, based on these photos, of the instrument’s value; however, it is not possible to judge from photos alone the exact state of originality and need of repair, so my appraisal is only accurate insofar as the photos are representative of the actual condition of the instrument.

We certify the instrument described below is, in our opinion, a Gibson L-0 model acoustic flattop guitar, made in the year 1931.

Description: We have been provided the following information: “My Father received this guitar when he was 12 years old in 1931 and he subsequently passed it to me at age 14 in 1964. The frets are like new. It has a top crack below the pickguard which occurred when it was dropped, and it is missing one black bridge pin, and has some finish scratches.” Factory order number (FON): 134. Recent advances in Gibson scholarship indicate that it was produced in August of 1931. The owner has identified a number of condition issues, as described above. Upon examination, we also note that the celluloid pickguard is curling and is lifting from the top. Otherwise, this guitar appears structurally to be in excellent condition. The finish exhibits typical light deterioration with small dings, surface scratches, compression marks and edge-chipping (peghead). In other respects, this instrument conforms to the typical specifications of the model for the period in which it was made with 14 ¾” wide flattop body, mahogany top, back and sides, “Firestripe” tortoiseshell grain celluloid pickguard, white/black/white soundhole rosette, rectangular Brazilian rosewood bridge, black bridge pins (one missing), mahogany neck with adjustable truss-rod, classic “open-book” peghead shape, white silk-screened script “Gibson” peghead logo, single-ply black celluloid bell-shaped truss-rod cover, three-on-a-strip open-back tuners with white buttons, ebony nut, 20-fret Brazilian rosewood fingerboard (12 frets clear of the body) with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, and single-ply white binding on body top and back edges. We were unable to make an in-hand assessment of the bridge plate, internal bracing and kerfing, but for the purposes of this appraisal we assume them to be correct (no photos of interior components were provided to Gruhn Guitars). No information concerning a case was provided to Gruhn Guitars.

Current market value: $4,000 (four thousand dollars)