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Vintage 1940 Silvertone Flame Maple Lap Steel Guitar - 1st Year For Silvertone

Estimated price for orientation: 800 $

Category: Lap and Steel Guitars
Class:











Description
Brand: Silvertone Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Exact Year: 1940


Up for auction is a 1940 Silvertone Lap Guitar, which is the first year of Silvertone. And this is not your standard run of the mill lap guitar, this was a top of the line model for Sears in 1940. And at $39.50 it was more than twice as expensive as most lap guitars. Built by Kay in Chicago, this Silvertone model 2331 features a body of nice flame maple, with art nouveau fretboard and headstock design. One of my pictures is from the 1940 Sears Fall and Winter catalog, which shows this guitar. In the same catalog Sears is still selling some Supertone and Harmony guitars. The electronics all work well and the original screw on cord (included) has been converted to a modern 1/4" plug. Not sure who made the pickup, but it sound great. There is a tone and a volume knob which are smooth and static free. The volume pod only comes on near the high end of the sweep, meaning there is a short taper between off and full volume. This is common in these early electronics, but worth mentioning. The guitar is very good condition, but has minor dings, scratches, finish glazing and cracks. The original Geib case is in good condition outside and amazing condition inside. Unfortunately, someone cut the lock at sometime in the past, but the clasps hold securely. Free shipping is for US only. International buyers ask for shipping cost before bidding.