Prewar L4: Pls help with identifying potential repair

[fakejazz]

Hi guys!
I'm interested in buying a very heavily used Gibson 1936 L4. One image made me a bit suspicious (see below). There is some sort of dowel in the neck close to the neck joint. Could this indicate a re-neck, repaired loosened neck or at least a neck reset ? If yes, how problematic could that be?
(Unfortunately, I don't have the option to try the guitar before buying).
Any feedback is highly appreciated!
Cheers!

[omphalopsychos]

Probably a sloppy strap pin fill.

Neck reset would not involve a dowel.

[wintermoon]

Looks like a broken off strap pin, maybe an eyelet/screw type like D'Angelico typically used as that was available at the time, strap pins as we know them today weren't invented until later.

[omphalopsychos]

good call. i thought it was a dowel but more likely just broken off pin still installed. That would also explain the damage surrounding it, which is probably from trying to remove it. shame on the previous owner.

[wintermoon]

I'm also seeing a side crack running off the neck joint and I have no idea what's going on on the back of the neck heel.
unless it's just the lighting it almost looks like something's partially covering that area, like a stinger.
I'd ask for a few detailed pics of that area before purchasing.

[omphalopsychos]

yeah noticed that crack in the rim, figured it was disclosed in the listing. For OP: I'd probably avoid this one unless you're comfortable with the issues and the guitar is priced right. Be prepared to potentially discover more and need to return.

[Mick-7]

Not to mention the two holes in the bottom end side of the fingerboard - definite signs of major repairs and/or poorly executed minor repairs.

[wintermoon]

Not to mention the two holes in the bottom end side of the fingerboard - definite signs of major repairs and/or poorly executed minor repairs.

Likely from a floating pickup mount, not really a big deal imo

[omphalopsychos]

I welcome those little side holes. Saves me the trouble and guilty conscience when I inevitable install a dearmond.

[mr. beaumont]

The only problem here I'd be concerned with is that side crack. The dents are a little ugly, but this is an old guitar, and it was obviously played. And the holes are definitely from a pickup bracket.

[fakejazz]

Thanks so much for those quick replies, this is really helpful!
I agree about the holes for the pickup, those are not a big deal imo.
The explanation regarding the strap button sounds very plausibly, although shouldn't a strap pin be located on the opposite, treble side of the neck (unless for lefties)?!
About that possible side crack: Do you mean the area marked here in red or in blue?

[fakejazz]

Here is another view from the top and two more of the entire guitar. Asking price is 4200 Euros, which seems pretty high given the condition, even for Europe (note the 3 replaced plastic inlays and one missing inlay, replaced tuners, likely non-original tailpiece).

[mr. beaumont]

The red. And it's not a dealbreaker, I'd just like a better pic, maybe confirmation if it's been dealt with or if it's an open issue.

The blue looks like a visible seam between two pieces of wood, but not a crack.

[omphalopsychos]

I feel like you can get a better sounding and playing vintage gibson for 4.2k eu. look for a 17" Gibson L7.