Yes - the '59 VOS is manufactured by the Custom & Historic division of Gibson (often called the Custom Shop) so they are one and the same thing. The VOS nomenclature signifies the finish they apply to the guitar - slightly aged with a dulled patina (not high gloss) that I think is acheived by NOT applying the final stage of buffing at the factory. You can still buy the "shiny" versions of the re-issues but they are not assigned the VOS label. They are just as good - in fact you'll probably pay a couple of hundred quid more for the hi gloss versions.
I have just spent 6 months researching and looking for a suitable '59 VOS and bought one a few weeks ago so let me know if you want any tips/advice on getting hold of one. One important tip............ do NOT buy one from eBay or Internet as you need to try each one - they are all different and often the photography doesn't reflect the beauty (or not) of the finsh, burst, flame and maple top. I tried 7 before I found the one that I wanted.
Good luck in your quest. Yes, they cost an obscene amount of money but you'll never regret the day you bought it. And, of course,............ get BKP's fitted as soon as you've got it home! I had Mules put in and it's amazing.
