Posted 14 years ago
ldenton
(1 item)
This dobro has been in the family for at least 3 generations. The family story is it was given to my grandfather for payment on a debt. That transaction might have happened in southern Missouri in the 1950s. It has always been kept in the house in a closet and has rarely been played. The strings have been kept loosened. I'd love to know what it is worth - thanks
Neat dobro. The resonator cover really is unusual. I and antique dealer but I don't know enough about dobros to give you an idea of it's value. As a dealer I would say unusual is usually worth something.
Worth between $500 and $1000 depending on condition of guitar and especially whether the neck is straight or needs re-setting. This was the entry level dobro . It has a resonator that is a little different and doesn't have the full sound of the more expensive Dobros. Google "Angelus by Dobro" and you will see a project guitar and also a few examples of ones that have been sold.JS
This is a Regal guitar as the decal shows. In 1937 Dobro grants rights to Regal to produce a complete line of ampliphonic instruments.* It was made in either 1937 or 38 assembled in Chicago at the Regal shop using metal parts mfg by Dobro in LA. It's a model 19 and there is two ways to distinguish this. 1. the F holes bear smooth lines, with no points cut in the middle of the design and 2. the banding along the top and bottom of the guitar is painted on and NOT actual inlay banding. Those came along with later models such as the #22 and #25. As for value, I respectfully disagree with the previous commentor. If its in over all good condition and playable but with a bowed neck then around $450 to $500. With a straight neck in excellent condition then between $1,200 and $1,400.**
* Bob Brozman "The history and Artistry of National Resonator Instruments"
** Big Joes Guitar works, Goodlettsville TN