1969 Gibson L-5C Special archtop guitar, custom made for Gib...

Hammer

£12,500

1969 Gibson L-5C Special archtop guitar, custom made for Gibson sales representative Neal Penner; Body: highly figured AAA maple back and sides with spruce top, tobacco sunburst finish, spruce infill to bass side top edge approximately at the midway point of the F hole; Neck: highly figured three piece maple neck with black head stinger; Fretboard: ebony; Frets: good; Hardware: good with custom engraved truss rod cover inscribed 'Neil (sic) Penner'; Case: original hard case with outer jacket bearing 'Neal Penner, Sales Representative' tag to the jacket window; Weight: 2.96kg; Overall condition: very good 

*This guitar was custom made for Neal Penner, Gibson's top travelling sales representative during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, and it is thought that this was a retirement gift to him. During his working period, Neal knew and liaised with everyone for Gibson including the likes of Charlie Christian, Les Paul and Barney Kessel to name a few. It is no surprise that, to show their appreciation, Gibson went to town when producing this highly appointed instrument. The neck, back and sides of the body are all hand carved with highly figured AAA grade maple. The fingerboard in ebony which has been finely inlaid and incorporates an additional inlay for the last fret

The guitar comes with its original case with Victoria Luggage case protector along with its key. Two original hang tags are included with L-5C Sp. (Special) stamped upon them and an additional truss rod cover with the sales representative's name on it. Also included is an original Gibson accessories booklet

More Information

Generally in very good condition. There is an odd section / slither of wood to the bass side of the spruce top as illustrated. We do not know the reason for this. Otherwise nothing major to report. See images via the following link for general condition guidance: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-zPu18SRFr6RGO4Bgf_1-51M-3GU6igg