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LISTING UPDATE - Restoration to be Completed Listing - fully restored price to be confirmed, and on request - just awaiting workshop time to commence - meantime, showing photos of the guitar, prior to restoration, as it came to me.
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Over the years I have sold a good number of examples of the various vintage acoustic archtop models, mainly Harmony built, but also Kay & Regal models.

This model, under the banner of the Carl Fischer Music Publishing Company, based in New York since 1872, and still in business today, was almost certainly made in Chicago, most likely by the Regal company or by Kay, and is believed to date from the late 1930s.

I regularly "pre-sell" my guitars, at the stage where I am still working on them, or even before starting, so I list some, not all, of the guitars waiting to come through the workshop, and welcome further enquiries, if you don't see what you are looking for.

Stock Number: VTG1163.

The guitar appears to be of all solid Birch construction, typical of Chicago-made guitars of this period. The only unusual feature of this is that a full system of body back ladder braces can be seen through the F-holes. Otherwise construction and fittings appear usual for type & age, but unusually the lower edge of the pickguard is secured directly to the guitar top, by screw & spacer, rather than with the usual supporting bracket.

In terms of dimensions, headstock & F-hole styles, and some other fittings, the guitar closely resembles the similar archtop I also have currently available, thought to be "Playtime" brand, except for the back ladder bracing. Possibly made by the same maker...Regal or Kay?

Interestingly the original 3-on-a-plate tuner machines, square plate end type, assumed to be Kluson, are just slightly offset on the headstock....a feature seen on photos of other examples of the same model guitar....no idea why!

Guitar also has the interesting, original Bakelite adjustable floating bridge, seen on occasions on '30s vintage archtops from certain makers.

Cosmetically the guitar is generally in good shape for age. Some localised and limited finish loss to painted "bindings" and other area, as per photos, but I think that the photos show that the guitar remains a handsome c.80 year old! Any restoration work to finishes will be limited to the absolute minimum needed following repairs, maintaining maximum originality.

The original tuner machines and distinctive original floating bridge, are both in exceptionally good condition. The original looking nut has not been removed yet for examination but appears sound, and looks to be of bone. Hopefully it can be re-used & re-fitted following fingerboard work. The metal tailpiece is sound, shows a little discolouration, giving nicely aged appearance, but otherwise is generally clean & bright.

Restoration repairs required will be re-assessed with the professional luthier I work with, but appear to involve the two areas where previous work has been attempted, apparently to re-glue the back seam, and possibly to carry out neck reset. The back seam continues to show slight displacement, and possibly also some lack of adhesion. It will be removed, seating areas & linings will be thoroughly cleaned off to remove all old glue residue, before re-gluing & re-fixing. Opening up will also give the opportunity to inspect internal bracing etc., and carry out any further work found to be needed.

As regards the neck joint the full extent of the work required might not be confirmed until a full assessment can be carried out after the fingerboard has been removed. If needed the neck joint will be reset, and the fingerboard cleaned off as above, and all work needed to correct the 'board alignment will be undertaken.

When properly set-up these guitars always play very well, with a comfortable "V" profile neck, typical of similar guitars of the period, and following the neck reset, I will be looking for a good action of around 2.5mm./3mm. at the 12th fret. It will be strung with a set of Martin Bronze Light or Retro Monel 12-54 strings.

There is no case with the guitar. I may be able to offer additional options of vintage case (not necessarily as old as the guitar) or modern hardshell case (including Hiscox Liteflite), or a gigbag, and the guitar will be packed securely if postage is required.