Heritage Art Appraisal

1973 Gibson Heritage Custom Acoustic Guitar

The item is a 1973 Gibson Heritage Custom acoustic guitar, characterized by its natural finish and dreadnought body shape. The primary wood appears to be a light-colored tonewood, likely spruce for the top, exhibiting a warm, aged patina. The guitar features a black pickguard below the soundhole and a unique, ornate black bridge with a distinctive 'moustache' or 'batwing' shape, fitted with six strings and what appears to be an adjustable saddle. The soundhole has a simple rosette, and there's a visible label or sticker inside, though the details are not legible. The neck is dark, possibly mahogany or ebony, and equipped with large, rectangular mother-of-pearl or pearloid block inlays along the fretboard, extending from below the nut to at least the 17th fret. The headstock is black with the 'Gibson' logo prominently displayed in script. It has six individual tuning machines with chrome finishes arranged three per side. The overall condition appears to be good, with general wear consistent with its age. There are no major visible damages such as cracks or significant dents, and the finish retains a healthy luster. The craftsmanship indicates a high-quality instrument, as expected from Gibson, a renowned guitar manufacturer. The 1973 production year places it within a specific period of Gibson's history, known for certain design and manufacturing characteristics.