Vintage Dolbro Has No Name

[doobman]

Hey All,

I have, what I believe to be, a vintage Dolbro that has no name, no marks and no serial number of any kind. it has been in my family since the early 60's. Used to belong to an Uncle who played in country music bands back then. but it ended up with me and now I'm trying to find out if it is worth anything. it is rather old, banged up, scuffed, scratched, and the nut is missing. My dad made a makeshift nut that would allow him to play it now and then, but it hasn't seen any action in the last 30 years. I'm attaching a few pictures. Maybe someone will recognize the body style? I've done Google searches in order to try and find either the company that made it, or what the style is or any information. right now I'm at a loss as to who made it and when. I would appreciate it if someone can help.

Thanks,

DoobmanAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted

[Michael Messer]

Hello Doobman,

Welcome to our forum.

What you have there is a 1932/1933 California-made Dobro model 27, known by collectors as a 'double cyclops'. It may have originally been branded with another company's logo, probably Magno.Tone, but it is a Dobro.

Are you sure that there isn't a serial number stamped into the end of the headstock?

It looks to be all original and all in one piece, but it could do with being restored by an expert Dobro luthier.

It is a very nice and quite rare instrument.

Whereabouts are you based?

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Shine On
Michael.

[Deleted]

I'm gonna guess its a californian made magno-tone 'double cyclops' model 27 from 1932.
The metal grille over the two holes is missing.
TT
oops - MM beat me to it.

[doobman]

May 1, 2018 10:51:30 GMT Michael Messer said:

Hello Doobman,

Welcome to our forum.

What you have there is a 1932/1933 California-made Dobro model 27, known by collectors as a 'double cyclops'. It may have originally been branded with another company's logo, probably Magno.Tone, but it is a Dobro.

Are you sure that there isn't a serial number stamped into the end of the headstock?

It looks to be all original and all in one piece, but it could do with being restored by an expert Dobro luthier.

It is a very nice and quite rare instrument.

Whereabouts are you based?

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Shine On
Michael.

Michael, thanks for the information. I checked all over and did not see a serial number anywhere. Currently based in Virginia Beach, but this Dolbro has followed me around the world for the last 35 years. In its current condition, what do you think it would be worth?

Thanks again,
Doobman

[Michael Messer]

Hello Doobman,

You have a beautiful family heirloom there.

I don't do valuations on this forum, but I will tell you that in its current condition it is not worth parting with as it is worth less than a thousand dollars. Even restored it would not be worth more than 2k on a good day. If it was all original and in mint condition it would be up around 2.5k.

Do you know if the metal screen for the two "cyclops" holes is still around the house? If not, you would be advised to keep an eye on eBay and see if one turns up.





If it was my family heirloom I would keep the guitar. It's a beautiful thing.

If you would like some advice and contacts regarding its restoration, I am happy to help.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Shine On
Michael.