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| Here is a pre-war Regal-made wood-body, square-neck Dobro in extremely good condition. The body is bound front and back (so therefore post 1937), and it has a 12-fret neck, while the 3-segment f-holes indicate a build date of about 1939. The model 27 was discontinued during the war - in 1941 - when all production at both National-Dobro and Regal ceased because the metals used in the manufacture of these guitars were required for the war effort. This guitar has no serial number (see below), which makes exact dating difficult, but there are many details which date it generally to the mid to late 1930s period. Interestingly, it is exactly the same as the other pre-war Dobro we have in stock, except for the fact that the tuners are mounted with the buttons facing upwards (for easy tuning when in the playing position) and the back is dark stained all over, rather than being in a sunburst. Also, the 'Made in USA' is stamped inside the body, rather than on the end of the headstock. Other than that, the two guitars are identical, and would date very close to each other. The Dobro company was experiencing exceptional sales during the early 1930s, so much so that in late 1932, Regal of Chicago was licensed by Dobro® Corporation to produce guitars bearing both the Dobro® and Regal logos for sale east of the Mississippi. According to this licensing agreement, Dobro® Corporation would supply Regal with all the metal parts. Many Regal-made instruments didn’t have serial numbers, which would give a nod to it being Regal-made. The resonator plate has patent #1896484 and is embossed with “Other Pat. Pend.", which also dates the guitar to the mid/late 1930s. The original strip Kluson tuners are still present on this guitar, and are fully functional. The original case was beyond saving, so this guitar comes in a brand new plush-lined hard shell case. $ not recently valued for the present market but feel free to make a serious offer.
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