Regal Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1938, made in Chicago, grey enamel finish, cast metal body, alligator grain original chipboard case.
An interesting metal-body lap steel marked with a Regal decal, an individual example of the many experiments with electric instruments going on in Chicago in the late 1930's. Bi-level cast metal neck/body with flat edges, large flat pickup unit under brown metal cover with two blades and integral tone and volume controls, hardwired cord. Strings anchor through body over wooden adjustable guitar bridge with fretwire saddle. Early (marked) Kluson strip tuners on metal headstock. Interesting electrical hardware includes brown Bakelite radio-style knobs and early elaborate phone jack.
Overall length is 33 in. (83.8 cm.), 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth at deepest point. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
Generally fine condition with some paint loss, primarily on pickup assembly. Includes original soft case, somewhat battered but still functional. Excellent Condition.
