Made only in small numbers and only for a very short period prior to the US entering WW2, starting in 1939, the L-5P was Gibson's flagship 17-inch archtop.  In my personal opinion this is the time when Gibson was making not only some of their best, but some of the best overall acoustic archtops ever.  This one is a great example of that.
 
This guitar shipped to "W Schmidt" on April 10, 1940.  Interestingly, according to the ledger records, it originally shipped as an "L-5PN", meaning that it had a natural finish.  Gibson's records also show that it shipped again on November 17, 1942 after being returned for a refinish which explains why it has an era correct Gibson sunburst finish.  All parts are era correct and consistent with original parts, including the rare, original white pearloid pickguard.. 
 
The guitar plays beautifully and sounds simply amazing.  It is very versatile, capable of both the loud, punchy tone desired for acoustic comping with a band, as well as the classic, sweet tone Gibson guitars are known for solo/chord-melody work, the latter of which is also great for accompanying a soloist/vocalist.  The neck has the desired joint with elevated/cantilevered fretboard extension (in contrast to some of the earlier examples from 1939 that had a fretboard that was mounted flush to the top).  The carve is the typical, larger, 1940s C-shaped carve.  The frets show some wear, but are in excellent condition with lots of life left.
 
Weight - 6.7 pounds
Nut width - 1.74 inches
1st fret depth - 0.97 inches
9th fret depth - 1.02 inches
Scale length - 25.5 inches
 
Comes with era correct, presumed original case with unpainted airplane cloth out covering.  All latches and hinges work.
 
Ships free in the United States and for reasonable rates worldwide.