83 silverburst value help with added emotional element

[Calla]

Good evening chaps. This isn't a sales post!
My friend has asked me to sell his 83 Les Paul custom silverburst for him. I’ve attached photos and will try to post more. The finish isn’t in the best condition, i reckon it’s been left near a radiator so some of the paint is lifting, maybe the same again to what’s already gone. Other than that it’s sound, no structural issues, I’ve checked it and given it a basic rod-job (fnar) and it plays great.
now…
It belonged to his brother who has passed and I think he should keep it at all costs but he has asked me to try to value and sell it so, fair enough, I’ll try to get values.
So, does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, not just on value but on how to sell it safely for him as I’m not a trader myself, and maybe even reasons he should keep it which I hope he will!
I’ve seen plenty of adverts at silly prices but I think he’ll be lucky to get 3-4k especially since it doesn’t have the case either.
Anyway, any advice or thoughts really appreciated as I’m out of my depth with this one!

 

[LPR6]

So list it for 5k on Reverb and see what happens.

 

[Bruce R]

This LPC has very interesting finish wear & tear. Any ideas as to why?

 

[fretout]

This LPC has very interesting finish wear & tear. Any ideas as to why?

Very true. This looks like water damage to me.

I remember seeing guitars that survived Hurricane Katrina and the Nashville flood several years ago; that had the finish lift and flake off in a similar pattern.

 

[Bruce R]

My brother has an interesting LP "Pro Custom" that was found in the wreckage of a tsunami in Japan. It plays just fine but has similar flakes and portions of the body's binding have warped.

 

[Wizard1183]

So list it for 5k on Reverb and see what happens.

That’s a bit much.

 

[LPR6]

That’s a bit much.

Right, start high and see what kind of offers they get.