Brian ,
its probably a solid deal , it would be a pre 1975 based on the chrome dome speed knobs post 75 used squared off speed knobs , looks like the original tuners were replaced with Grovers at some point , the case is a mid 70s japanese les paul copy case probably from an ibanez or mann brand copy , the extra pickup surrounds were nicknamed goof hiders by the Gibson employees back in Kalamzoo because they were used to cover sloppy routing work , sometime these guitars were re routed for standard humbucking pick ups instead ( the goof hiders are also an early to mid 70s indicator ). They do not really affect the guitars value as 70s Les pauls are pretty popular and they were a Gibson factory modification . I might only say that the Les paul deluxe equipped with the mini humbuckers are not as popular as the standard or large humbucker equipped LPs are as they are brighter sounding and more often associated with country players , Pete Townsend was one player used Deluxes but had a large humbucker installed between the original 2 pickups . Either way its a pretty safe buy at $1200.00 , original case and tuners would bring it to $1500.00 . You will find many people asking stupid money for 70's LPs these days most are not getting it , these LP deluxes in 100% condition are realistically fetching $1500- $1800 maybe even 2k and LP customs up to $2500-3000.00 but most go for a fair bit less . Lastly if the serial number on the back of the headstock is in the form of a decal under the clear coat its most likely a circa 75 , if its stamped into the headstock its more than likely circa 71-74 .
