Identify this guitar?

[Dave Bagwill]

My student Kent brought this in today, it belonged to his wife's mother and has great sentimental value - her mother had it set up for slide. Now his wife wants it cleaned up, new tuners, set up for playing etc.

The only identifying mark is the factory stamp, next to a bottom brace, that reads: Dec 1938.

4 top braces, 3 back braces - all ladder braced - the interior was actually done pretty well and is still tight.

Any ideas on the maker?

[ken cierp]

Harmony -- since the label and decal are missing (removed) it may be one that was branded for Sears -- as a Silvertone. I think the Harmony has a little more collector value.

[Dave Bagwill]

His wife's mom said something about a department store!
Thanks Ken.

[Kevin in California]

perhaps a Kay. I have an old brochure somewhere showing the line of Kay guitars, although I think it is from the early 60's but I know they were building in the 30's too.
I'll look for the brochure.

Kevin

[Dave Bagwill]

Looking at the Harmony database (http://harmony.demont.net/) it is for sure of Harmony make, but most probably was a Christmas release in the Sears stores. I think - there's a buttload of Harmony models.

[Kevin in California]

yeah the Kay is a bit different, but very similar

[Ray Ussery]

Yes, it's me... and yes, it was a long time ago...see the guitar? :>) Yes, it's a Harmony!
They made a lot of models with various other names on them...some were even farmed out to Gibson when they couldn't keep up production.
Wish I still had mine. But it led a rough life! However it was exactly like yours except for the "F" holes...mine were continuous, where the one you show is broken at both ends...I believe it's a Silvertone. Montgomery Ward had one too though...