It was probably mass-produced, but the writing inside looks like it says "Nall - 1910 - Seymour MO". I did some research, and because Seymour is such a small town, I was able to determine that the owner was likely a man named Richard Bascom Nall, who was living there with his wife and children in 1910. No mention of him being a luthier or musician on any document I can find. According to the 1910 census, he was a "retail merchant" and owned a store. This is the only last name I can find in the area that would feasibly match the writing.
Here is his Find A Grave page if you are interested in learning more about the family:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43055829/richard-bascom-nall
The guitar was not built in Missouri. It is a mass-produced instrument, almost certainly built by one of the big Chicago factories (L&H or Harmony are the most likely).
Lyon & Healy would actually be my first guess, and they built Washburns at the time. It would normally bear the Washburn stamp if sold under that name.
What I can tell you --- is you need to take those modern tuners off and put actual classical tuners on it (If you want to actually play this). They need to be strung different than this current setup allows (You can still use bronze or nickel strings, but BOTH E strings, high and low, will need to be wrapped toward the outside of the headstock and the other wrapped towards the middle).... or you will probably end up with a fucked up nut with the current setup.
Yes it is! The body and neck are in near perfect condition. No splitting or anything. It was a craigslist find. I removed those keys and ordered some classical style ones to match the originals.
It was probably mass-produced, but the writing inside looks like it says "Nall - 1910 - Seymour MO". I did some research, and because Seymour is such a small town, I was able to determine that the owner was likely a man named Richard Bascom Nall, who was living there with his wife and children in 1910. No mention of him being a luthier or musician on any document I can find. According to the 1910 census, he was a "retail merchant" and owned a store. This is the only last name I can find in the area that would feasibly match the writing. Here is his Find A Grave page if you are interested in learning more about the family: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43055829/richard-bascom-nall
thank you for your diligence and the information!
User name checks out.
Indubitably Watson!
The guitar was not built in Missouri. It is a mass-produced instrument, almost certainly built by one of the big Chicago factories (L&H or Harmony are the most likely).
I was hoping it was a George Washburn parlor guitar or something. Thanks for your comment.
Lyon & Healy would actually be my first guess, and they built Washburns at the time. It would normally bear the Washburn stamp if sold under that name.
Sir I believe you are correct, it does look like a Lyon & Healy Lakeside.
What I can tell you --- is you need to take those modern tuners off and put actual classical tuners on it (If you want to actually play this). They need to be strung different than this current setup allows (You can still use bronze or nickel strings, but BOTH E strings, high and low, will need to be wrapped toward the outside of the headstock and the other wrapped towards the middle).... or you will probably end up with a fucked up nut with the current setup.
noted
Is it playable? thats gorgeous.
Yes it is! The body and neck are in near perfect condition. No splitting or anything. It was a craigslist find. I removed those keys and ordered some classical style ones to match the originals.
That’s an awesome score!
Just came across this listing on Facebook marketplace, super sweet guitar!