1933 Gibson L-Century Sunburst Period Case, Centruy of Progress Souvenir Book & Medalion

FON (None). Here is a very compelling package for a vintage Gibson player and collector – a very clean Gibson L-Century guitar circa 1933, a souvenir book from the Century of Progress International Exhibition 1934, a bronze Century of Progress medallion dated 1933 and what I believe is a period-correct hardshell case. This is an outstanding example of a small bodied Gibson with unusual tone woods and appointments. For years, I searched for something to make it really special. Thanks to a guitar shop in Malibu I was able to put it all together.

The L-Century was specially designed to celebrate the spectacular “Century of Progress”, a world’s fair-like exhibition commemorating Chicago’s centennial. It was one of four Gibson models that utilized the L body and second only to the Nick Lucas Special in terms of price. The back and sides are very high grade red maple sawn to showcase the stripy figuring. The top is high quality red spruce with a consistent medium grain. Back sides and top are all finished in the iconic small sunburst of the early 30s. Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic is the use of the “pearloid” (yes, aka mother of toilet seat”) on the fretboard and headstock. There is a double inlay of rosewood inlayed with pearl diamonds on the 3.5.7, 9, 12 and 15 frets and another rosewood inlay on the headstock with “Gibson” inlayed into the rosewood with a large notched diamond. The fretboard and headstock are bound as is the top and back of the body. The original bridge is the typical 1X6” rectangle in rosewood with some nice grain. Lastly, the pickguard is the dynamic firestripe that looks so great on these little guitars.

The finish shows weather checking throughout and there’s a small check on the back of the headstock behind the truss road cover which my luthier says should never present an issue. It plays perfectly thanks to a meticulous refret by Mark Tossman. The action is medium low with a nice break over the saddle. The neck angle is perfect, most likely factory original. The neck profile is quite full with a modified V shape nut unlike the L-5 or early Jumbo. Nut is 1-3/4” and string spacing at the bridge is 2-3/8”. Anyone who has owned a maple guitar knows that they take time to “warm up” and this one is no exception. One it does, it has a fine voice for blues, ragtime or accompanying singing. The inside of the sound chamber is very clean and tight. The bridge plate is the original maple. There are two thin somewhat tapered tone bars. The case is lined with light pink plush material. Exterior is black tolex. All is in excellent condition except the latch to the lock is missing.

The souvenir book is in VG condition with a little fraying at the unbound corners. The embossing on the cover is in good shape. The medallion is quite solid and substantial. It’s about 2-1/4” in diameter and 1/8” thick. It’s hefty. Overall, a wonderful piece of history that can be played, enjoyed and admired into its second century.

SPECS:

Top: Adirondack Spruce
Band & Sides: Red Maple
Bridge & Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood
Appointments: MOTC overlays, double overlays on frets, diamond position markers
Nut width: 1-3/4”
String spacing: 2-3/8”
Body width: 14-10/16””
Depth: 4-1/4”
Scale length: 24.9”
Case: Period HSC