~1935 Gibson LC Century of Progress family burst

Originally made to commemorate the centennial celebration in Chicago in 1933, the LC "Century of Progress" line of Gibson instruments are head turners for their beautiful maple back and sides and pearloid fret board and head stock veneers. The guitars were, at the time of manufacture, second only to the Nick Lucas as the most expensive in Gibson's line of flat tops. While finding one isn't particularly difficult in the vintage market, finding a grouping of Gibson Century instruments such as this (the LC, HC "Hawaiian", the LC archtop and AC mandolin) is unique. The archtop is particularly hard to find. For a limited time, this family of four Gibson Century fretted instruments will be offered as a lot. Through the 2024 Holiday season the group will be presented for sale as a family, subsequently the individual instruments may be offered out individually if a buyer for the grouping is not secured. Descriptions for each instrument are detailed below, and additional photos are available on request. Due to the photo hosting limitations of this platform I am not able to post all of the available pics of each instrument in the group listing. Please feel free to email me your inquiries.

Mid '30s LC Archtop guitar (no FON or SN found): 00 size arch top guitar(like and L-30) with maple back and sides, back and sides are stained dark like mahogany. The neck is also maple. The guitar is 100% original. No top or back cracks, typical play and handling wear, small spot of belt buckle rash on the back. There are two small hairline side cracks on the bass side at the waist, tight and stable, repaired. The heel of the neck has a very well repaired hairline crack that likely occurred when the neck was reset some time ago. The neck angle is perfect and the playability is excellent. The neck is straight and the frets in good condition, they show a small amount of wear in the first position but plenty of crown height left. The original pickguard show some minor break down of the plastic and some light cracking in the center, see pics, but it is solid. Original tuners work well. Good sound for old time strumming. Comes with a period (possibly original) chip board case that is in good condition.

C. 1937 LC Flat Top Guitar (no visible FON/SN): The most commonly seen model of this grouping. Basically, a dressed up, maple bodied L-00...and what lovely maple! The back and side show beautiful curl figure that is nicer than I was able to show in the pics, particularly on the back. The guitar has had its tuners replaced (Waverlys) and possibly the bridge pins as well but everything else appears to be original. Finish on the sides and back is quite clean, top and neck finish show some wear from play and handling (see pics). Several of the back braces were reglued in the past and the person who did the work got the braces glued but didn't do a great job of cleaning up the glue squeeze out. There are plugged strap button holes in the back of the heel, well done. The bridge is original but was cut down at some point in the past. Still is tall enough to support the saddle and function fine. The action is set at 7/64" and 6/64" with about 3/32" of saddle showing. The frets show minor wear but they play well and there's lots of crown left. Sounds great, crisp and woody with good volume. Comes in a mid-century hard shell case

C. 1936 HG Century Hawaiian (FON 3711 7): For the record, the numbers I've given are what I can make out...not 100% sure about them. This guitar is 100% original and really clean. It has some minor marks and dings from handling and play but way, way less than average for a 90 year old guitar. No cracks, no damage or repairs of any kind, original Hawaiian set up for lap play. The maple back has superb broad curl figure while the sides have deep quilt figure. The top has the classic dark Gibson burst of the middle 30s. You won't find many that are more tidy than this one. Loud and rowdy! Comes with a period (probably original) chip board case.

Mid-30s AC Century Mandolin #1007B-2: Lovely little A style mandolin with the Century pearloid finger board and head stock overlay. This mandolin is somewhat unusual among Gibson mandos in that it has a carved top but a flat back. The back is heavily figured flame maple (gorgeous!) as are the sides. The bridge on this mandolin is a later replacement but everything else is original. Overall the instrument is in excellent cosmetic and structural condition, no cracks or repairs. The neck is straight and the frets are in good condition, showing some wear in the first position but with plenty of crown height to allow for leveling and dressing when the time comes. The mandolin plays with easy action and plenty of adjustability in the bridge. The tone is typical of Gibson's A style instruments, pleasant and old-timey. The mandolin comes with its original hard shell case.

The group is priced at $18,500 plus shipping. NYS buyers add 8% sales tax. Shipping available to US addresses only, no international shipping available. Due to the heavy volume of shipping going on during the holiday season, shipping on the set will not be available until after January 1, 2025.