my first choice would be a 50th r9 in golden orange teaburst with no pickguard installed. but if that would cost anywhere near the advertised $6k price, i simply wouldn't be able to do it.
so, second choice would be a 2009 (newer neck shape) gloss R8 in heritage cherry with interesting grain pattern. if those ever come without a pickguard installed (i think i saw at least a couple darkbursts from '08 without pickguards), that would be ideal. (i just don't like les paul pickguards.)
What kind of historic are you looking for? Gibson guitars sometimes do have set pricing, but give me a call at the shop... I think you'll be surprised at what I could do for you
