Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.
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John Scime
Posts: 36
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:04 pm
Location: Mississippi Mills, Ontario

Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by John Scime »

I picked this up a while ago. No identifying labels or stamps. The guitar is similar to old Supertone parlors with abalone purpfling on the bindings and soundhole. Small, with 24 1/8th scale.

The headstock looks familiar, but i have never seen a flower inlay like that. The top may have been refinished at some point, and the tailpiece an add-on.

Any idea what company made this? Thanks in advance.

Js
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Michael Lewis
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Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:22 am
Location: Northern California USA
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Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by Michael Lewis »

Check the detail of the sound hole binding. Does it cover just half way through the soundboard or does it cover the entire edge of the sound hole? Some detail shots of the interior might provide more clues (lining, braces, neck block, etc.). I would guess the inlay on the headstock is an add-on sometime after it left the factory.
There were a lot of instruments that were made for catalog distribution (Sears-Roebuck, etc.) and carried no name or a 'made up' name. From this side of the screen it looks like it's from the teens or 20s.
John Scime
Posts: 36
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:04 pm
Location: Mississippi Mills, Ontario

Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by John Scime »

A series of targeted photos as suggested by Michael Lewis. Thanks for your time!
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John Scime
Posts: 36
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:04 pm
Location: Mississippi Mills, Ontario

Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by John Scime »

More photos
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John Scime
Posts: 36
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:04 pm
Location: Mississippi Mills, Ontario

Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by John Scime »

And more ...
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John Scime
Posts: 36
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2012 5:04 pm
Location: Mississippi Mills, Ontario

Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by John Scime »

And last batch ...
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Jim McConkey
Posts: 1061
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 4:00 pm
Location: Way north of Baltimore, MD

Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by Jim McConkey »

I'm no expert on identification of guitars, but I own a Supertone banjo, and the inlays and fretboard wear are remarkably similar.
MIMForum Staff - Way North of Baltimore
Thomas Wentzel
Posts: 35
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:21 pm

Re: Help Identifying an old Parlor Guitar

Post by Thomas Wentzel »

That's a Harmony, from the 30s, I've had a few like it, and am working on one now with similar inlays.
Tom
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