Gibson is also seeking to recover re-1970 documents, blueprints and unique historical assets. Rewards for other relevant items will be handed out on a case-by-case basis. Gibson says it may settle with cash, gift cards, instruments and experiences.

If you have information that might be relevant, contact Gibson at 59Ledger@gibson.com or Ledger@gibson.com.

There were only 643 real Gibson Les Paul Standards built in 1959 and the instruments are among the most prized in existence, due to their association with music icons like Jimmy Page, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Peter Green, Duane Allman, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Rick Nielsen, Don Felder, Slash and many others.

"It's no wonder that for the last 62 years, many of the top player, collectors, and dreamers have dubbed the original Gibson Les Paul, produced in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by some of the greatest instrument builders 'The Holy Grail,'" said Nielsen in a statement. "It held an unparalleled value back then with a price tag of $245; today, the value is 1,000 times that, and in some cases worth so much more — monetarily, historically, artistically and most importantly...musically cool."

1959 Les Pauls with a figured tiger maple design frequently sell for six figure sums. As a result, there are many, many fakes in circulation, in addition to Gibson's authentic replications.

Photos: Gibson

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