A true piece of American history. This L-5 was made in 1936 and was owned by legendary American actor, James Cagney. The guitar is in fantastic shape and has been refretted, fitted with a replacement nut and pickguard, and given a factory overspray. It is otherwise all original. This guitar was auctioned off alongside property from the estate of James Cagney through the William Doyle Gallery in New York City in 1992 and comes with the original auction book.
Additionally, this guitar comes with a bit of memorabilia, including a flipbook of photos featuring James Cagney with the guitar alongside Ronald Reagan and other cinema industry professionals of the era. There are also personal letters from Ronald Reagan to James Cagney both from when Reagan was the Governor of California and the President of the United States. Finally, there are also twelve handwritten charts filled with chord diagrams made by James Cagney, and a miscellaneous collection of vintage guitar strings.
Also included is a copy of Vintage Guitar Magazine from April of 2017 where the guitar is profiled as a prime example of a 1936 Gibson L-5.
This guitar is more than a collector's piece: it is a beautifully-crafted, perfect-playing instrument that is filled with the history and charm of an American legend. This instrument truly deserves to be appreciated, and we are proud to help find it a worthy home.
Specs:
Make: Gibson
Year: 1935/36
Model: L-5
Serial #: 93904, Factory Order # 1019 B
Body Finish: Sunburst
Body Wood: Spruce Top, Quilted Maple Back/Sides
Body Binding: Original
Neck Wood: Flame/Quilt Maple, Walnut Center Stripe
Neck Binding: Original
Neck Finish: Sunburst
Neck Back Shape: Very Soft V/C
Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
Frets: Refretted
Nut: Replaced
Nut Width: 1 5/8”
Tuners: Original
Pickguard: Replaced
Hardware Color: Gold
Bridge: Original, Base of the bridge has been carved away in the center
Case: Original Hardshell
Other: Finish has been oversprayed
1935 Specs: 17" body width, engraved tailpiece, unbound F-holes
1936 Specs: Serial/Factory Order #, 25 1/2" Scale Length
On average L-5s from 1935 had X Bracing. This one has parallel bracing.
