The medaillon Flying V
In 1971, Gibson introduced this special edition supposedly to commemorate the upcoming 1972 Olympic games. 350 guitars where built.

1971 Gibson Medallion Flying V — archive photograph1971 Gibson Medallion Flying V — back view
Note the hump at the back of the neck, that disapeared in the early 80's.
This example has had it's Kluson deluxe tuners replaced by 3 on a plate type Klusons

1971 Gibson Medallion Flying V — archive photograph

1971 Gibson Medallion Flying V — archive photograph

1971 Gibson Medallion Flying V — archive photograph
There is a distinctive way the body's halves are glued on a mahogany strip to prevent the body halves slipping apart during the gluing process and strengthen the joint between the two halves
(detail provided by Paul Gagné - luthier in Quebec City Canada).


Michael Schenker performing with a white Medallion Flying V in Lyon
One of Michael Schenker's 1971 Medaillon V's - In 1974, he removed the medaillon, filled the hole and repainted the guitar white


Rudolf Schenker displaying a customized Medallion Flying V
Rudolf Schenker displaying his "customized" Medaillon V

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