National 1155 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1952), made in Chicago, brown sunburst lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top,, black tolex hard shell case.
This interesting and somewhat unusual guitar is the result of intertwining of both Gibson and National/Valco with the CMI (Chicago Musical Instrument) empire in the early '50s. The National company didn't have a high-grade woodworking shop, so a deal was struck that they would purchase Gibson-made bodies "in the white" (unfinished) for some of their better acoustic and acoustic/electric instruments and fit them out with National necks and hardware.
This Model 1155 is a Gibson J-45 body (FON 8044-26, 1952) with a bolt-on neck and typically "Populuxe" 1950s National cosmetics. The pickguard is a marbleized amber plastic, and the rosewood bridge is thicker and more fancifully shaped than the Gibson version. The sunburst finish is lighter and more subtle than the typical Gibson finish. The neck is rather thick with a deep "C" profile, the headstock bearing a raised "National" plastic logo. The heel-less neck joint sports a cream plastic plate covering the heel area.
This Guitar was a personal instrument of Texas/New York cult Bluesman John Campbell who used it extensively, often with a 1950s DeArmond soundhole pickup installed. Included in the sale is a "Mojo Bone" which he believed brought good fortune when touched to an instrument, and the last strings that he used with the guitar.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 16 1/8 in. (41 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
All original except tuners, which are gold Grover Imperials. Light overall finish wear and checking most noticeable on back. Excellent Condition.
