Lakeside Model 1860 Model 12 String Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, made by Lyon & Healy, c. 1919, made in Chicago, natural varnish finish, oak back and sides, spruce top, poplar neck with rosewood fingerboard, black chipboard case.
The "Lakeside" name was one of the giant Lyon & Healy company's mid-line brands; this guitar is an extremely rare 12-string variation on the typical period instrument that would bear that name. The back and sides are highly figured "Danish Oak" with a spruce top, trimmed in colored wood marquetry. The poplar neck has a dot-inlaid rosewood fingerboard. There is an orange label in the soundhole with the Lakeside logo above a sailboat, with the phrase "Guaranteed Musically Correct" and a sort of runic "L&H" Lyon & Healy logo. This model is listed in the 1919 Lyon & Healy catalog as a "Concert' size guitar; with a 13 1/2" lower bout it's actually closer the a traditional Grand Concert. The original price was $19.50 a not inconsiderable sum in 1919. This is a well-made if not top end guitar typical of the period 100 or so years ago, when the 12-string was in its first phase of popularity. Superbly suitable for pre-war Blues styles, this is a fantastic find for the 12-string enthusiast.
Overall length is 39 1/4 in. (99.7 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 1/2 in. (622 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.). Very clean and original overall for a guitar of this period; there has been some restoration to enhance playability but no major damage or even heavy wear. The neck has been reset and the bridge is a modern pyramid-end repro which appears to have replaced a slightly oversize piece-there is some visible touch up in front. The original varnish finish shows fine checking overall but not any extensive play wear-only small dings, scuffs and chips. This is a good playing instrument and a very rare piece-very few vintage 12-strings of this period survive, and Lyon & Healy-made examples are practically non-existent. Excellent Condition.
