My Old 335 Says "Custom Made"

These are actually pretty cool. When Gibson started making 335s, they were all drilled with holes for a stop tailpiece. Gibson would provide a guitar to an individual or a dealer with a Bigsby tailpiece when requested.  Since the Bigsby eliminates the need for a stop, they needed to cover up the holes with something.  Their odd choice was to use a plastic engraved plaque that said "Custom Made" which was nailed into the top of the guitar with 2 or 4 small brass brads.  I've seen at least one that was glued to the top.  You might also see pearl, black or metal inserts (little circles) set into the stud holes. I'm pretty sure these were done by owners who either didn't like the plaque or had lost it. I don't believe these are factory original. Gibson eventually made guitars that only had the Bigsby and no stud holes at all-my 1960 345 in the top picture is a good early example. But they continued the "Custom Made" plaque up through 1964 or early 65 when they stopped using stop tailpieces altogether in favor of the trapeze which was cheaper and easier to attach.

Interestingly, There were customers who complained that their guitars didn't say "Custom Made" and they wanted that plaque, so Gibson put them on some Bigsby equipped guitars late in the run that had no stud holes. Seems dumb to me but that's Gibson. Give 'em what they want whether it's good or not (see their incredibly dopey "guitars of the week" like the reverse V).