National Model 1155 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1953), made in Chicago, sunburst top, natural back and sides finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top, black tolex original hard shell case.
This guitar is a result of the intertwining of Gibson and National/Valco with the CMI (Chicago Musical Instrument) empire in the 1940's and 50's. As the National company had no high-grade wood shop, a deal was struck for them to purchase Gibson-made bodies "in the white" (unfinished) for their better instruments, to be fitted out with National necks and hardware.
This Model 1155 is built on a Gibson J-45 body with the neck block bearing a Gibson FON (factory order number) 0f 9993-14, which puts it in the late 1951-52 range. The National serial number plate indicates 1953, so there may have been a time lag in using up these ordered parts!
The bolted-on National "Stylist" heelless neck has a deep "C" profile; the headstock is covered in deep maroon plastic and bears a white plastic "National" logo. The neck joint sports a screwed-on cream plastic plate covering the empty dovetail joint. The pickguard is a translucent "tiger striped" celluloid, and the heavy rosewood bridge has a point on the bottom end and three screws left in plain sight (Gibson covered theirs with pearl dots!). The sunburst finish is darker and less subtle than the typical period Gibson finish.
These are a good-sounding guitars with a distinct 'retro-cool' look beyond the typical Gibson. As early J-45's become ever more costly, these "half Gibson" Nationals look better and better!
Overall length is 41 1/8 in. (104.4 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.).
Very clean overall with typical minor play wear. There is a small repaired split on the back of the headstock which is barely noticeable, and the plastic buttons on the original Kluson Deluxe tuners have been replaced. Otherwise a very original guitar, down to the aged bone nut and saddle.
Original orange-lined Lifton hardshell case has some added ducttape accents but is substantially intact and fully functional. Excellent Condition.
