I've had a couple of experts take a look at it and it turns out that the guitar has been SERIOUSLY modified. The original colour is thought to be red, it's been refinished a number of times. The artwork is by my late husband's first wife (not a famous artist I'm afraid) based on The Chronicles of Narnia (couple of prog rock fans), the scratches on the back were as a result of my husband depping in punk bands including The Vibrators - they're from the studded belts. The body has been worked on a number of times and subsequently has been slightly worn done, however it does still play. The electrics are still original, as are the pickups I think. The dials are not original. This doesn't worry me particularly as it was a working guitar rather than an ornament so I wouldn't expect to get as much as a fully original Fender. My husband bought it in 1968 when he was still learning to play. He bought it when his family lived in Australia. It was actually the second one he ordered from the music shop (they took 6 weeks to come from the States in those days) as he'd lost the first one to Pete Townshend who'd trashed his own guitar at a gig in Centenniel Hall in Adelaide and made the music shop an offer they couldn't refuse.

I will try to post some better pictures up here soon. I'm sure interest in the guitar has reduced now but I can bring it to anyone who lives in London who might consider making a serious offer.

P

I couldn't see anyone going above £2k for it. Don't be dissapointed, the only original things are the body and neck. Which have been seriously devalued by the artwork.

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No no and no