As you all know, ebay is loaded with "Vintage Guitars". What makes a guitar "Vintage"? Age is usually a big factor. The older the guitar, the rarer the guitar may be. Manufacturers that are no longer with us, therefore not producing thier trademark models anymore. How the guitar has aged-certain guitars may have thier finishes oxidize{change color} in a desirable way. Body shapes, pickup types, and other cosmetics factor in. To me, the most important thing I look for in a "vintage" axe is that it be all original; not refininished or repainted, original pickups and electronics-even if they dont work. All parts must be present, bridge, nut, whammy bar, original tuners, pick guard, volume and control knobs. Remember, if you buy a vintage guitar, especially an old one, parts are going to be very hard{and expensive} to come by. Some manufacturers-Gibson and Fender among them, are making re-issues of older models, so parts for some oldies are easier{though not necessarily less expensive}. Heres an example: a year ago I bought a univox 335 special from the mid sixties. Body was in good condition, it needed a bridge(found), missing one tuner{found}, a volume knob{found}-now the downside. Im still looking for the headstock badge{Ive seen one in a year, bid on it, and the seller sold it outside of ebay}, and the jack plug(still looking}. I bought the guitar for 175 dollars, have spent 60 dollars on parts, and when all is said and done, the guitar may be worth four to five hundred dollars when finished. Not what I would call a power investment{short term anyway}. Before buying a guitar, do your research. Are all the parts there and original? What is parts availability? Is there another one on ebay in better condition that requires no repair? You can Google most guitars and thier manufacturers  and get lots of good info and even advice from classic guitar sites. What is the guitar really worth? The Official Vintage Guitar Guide by Alan Greenwood and Gil Hembre is an excellent source for information and approximate values on guitars, new and old, foreign and domestic. The guide is updated every year and is an excellent source for guitar values. You wont overpay if you use their guide to help you. Bottom line, do your homework and take your time. Most auctions run 7 days, plenty of time for you to decide and bid with your head...not over it. Bill Menting-Once Vlectrum Under Vlectrum Guitars