This transitional SJ has a combination of features that could only have occured in the late '45/early '46 period, including: real pearl fretboard inlays, not pearloid, no binding on fretboard, 3-ply maple neck with mahogany laminations between each section, TRUSS ROD (yippee!), and belly bridge (with belly below the beltline). Pickguard is original, finish is original but with touchup lovingly, but not sparingly, applied around the pickguard and soundhole. One repaired 3 1/2 " crack in the lower bout of the top. Newish frets and a decent neck angle, at least for a Gibson of this age (action is moderately low with a low saddle). The bridge appears to be original but the bridge tips are thin. Finish wear to neck and finish crazing as shown. There have been other tuners on this guitar, so there are six small extra holes in the back of the headstock. Three repaired cracks in the passenger (lower) side, with one very short one on the driver's (upper, or bass) side. The interior of the guitar is pretty original, but it had an oversized bridge plate at one time which has been removed and now a nice maple bridgeplate like the original has taken its place. The back of this guitar is a true mystery, in that the finish is original and typically crazed, but with no cracks or even significant scratches, just a few nicks here and there. Our guess is that this SJ was owned by somebody who only wore sweatshirts! Sounds and plays great, the kind of 60 years-old Gibson. with "honest wear," you can play without worrying about it