Serial number A 31527 on label; obscured FON "91176S (?)" under left F-hole; bound maple top, back and sides; mahogany neck with mother-of-pearl position markers on rosewood fingerboard, inlaid Gibson logo on headstock; gold tone Grover tuners, bridge and Bigsby trapeze tailpiece. The guitar comes with its original pink-lined case sheathed in brown exterior fabric; included are a custom maple wood display stand (42 x 19-1/2 x 13 in.), old parts, strings, bridge and pickup adjustment recommendations, and a hangtag promoting care of the instrument.

Guitar 43 in.

Private Collection, Pinehurst, North Carolina

A versatile 1950s guitar perfect for early rock 'n roll, classic country music and electric blues. In fact, Gibson has re-issued a version of the ES-355 modeled after B.B. King's "Lucille."

Subtle finish crazing as expected of a vintage instrument; wear to gilt elements; the fingerboard with shallow depressions from heavy play; electronics not working; the case with fabric losses, but still solid.

$4,000 - 8,000