Gibson L-3 Guitar

Description:

This guitar was made by the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1925. It is a six course (6x1) guitar, serial #80612, model L-3, with a spruce top, maple sides and back, and a mahogany neck. The guitar bears the printed label:

PATENTED Feb. 1, '98 [/] Patented March 30, '06 [/] Other Patents Pending [/] Gibson GUITAR Style 13 [/] Number 80612 is hereby [/] GUARANTEED [/] against faulty workmanship or material. Should [/] this instrument, with proper care and usage, go wrong, [/] we agree to repair it free of charge at our factory, or [/] to replace it with another of same style or value. [/] GIBSON MANDOLIN-GUITAR CO. [/] (Manufacturers) [/] Kalamazoo, Mich., U.S.A.”

The L-3 guitar was manufactured from 1906-1933. This guitar, without case, sold for $100.00 in a Gibson catalog from 1929.

Date Made: 1924

Maker: Gibson Co.

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Michigan, Kalamazoo

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Guitars

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Marjorie A. Cope

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MI.69.13Accession Number: 282345Catalog Number: 69.13

Object Name: guitar

Measurements: overall: 39 in x 13 3/4 in x 4 1/2 in; 99.06 cm x 34.925 cm x 11.43 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-2cc2-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_605750

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.