This is a rare vintage 1937 first production year Rickenbacher lap steel guitar Model 59. The Model 59 lap steel was based on the Silver Model and introduced in late 1937.. This rare early version had just the one volume knob and a non-adjustable 1 1/2" pickup (Pat. Pend.). In 1938, they added a tone control to the opposite side. In 1939, they put the controls together on the audience side and made the pickup adjustable.
In the late ‘30s the 59 was Rickenbackers entry-level lap steel but the feel of this instrument isn't flimsy or cheap at all. These lap steels were stamped out of sheet metal but look rather luxurious with a finely textured lace-like enamel finish.
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