GEORGE WASHBURN, CIRCA 1982, A DREADNOUGHT-FORM SOLID-BODY ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC GUITAR, SBF-26

GEORGE WASHBURN, CIRCA 1982
A DREADNOUGHT-FORM SOLID-BODY ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC GUITAR, SBF-26
Labeled George Washburn / model no. SBF-26, Serial Number 821298 hand crafted in the Washburn tradition / of Chicago, applied Washburn at the headstock and stamped 821298 on the reverse, with original hardshell case bearing a label inscribed WASHBURN SPIRIT #8212981 and SERIAL NO. DG1118
Length of back 20 in. (50.8 cm.)

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Pre-Lot Text
WASHBURN
The brand name Washburn was launched by the Chicago music merchandisers Lyon & Healy in 1888 and gained a reputation for affordable fretted instruments of good quality. The Washburn name became synonymous with the small body “parlor” guitars of the period. In 1928 the name and manufacturing facilities were sold by Lyon & Healy to the wholesalers Tonk Brothers who found it challenging to manage the quality and production demands of a large fretted instrument factory. By 1940 the name had lost its luster in the market place and by the end of World War II no longer existed.
The Washburn name was resurrected by the Los Angeles company Beckmen Musical Instruments in 1972, who had Washburn instruments produced under contract in Japan. In 1977 the brand was sold again to Chicago based Fretted Instruments Incorporated. Ownership changed hands yet again in 1987 and was renamed Washburn International. By 1991 Washburn Inc. were producing higher quality and limited-edition instruments in the United States as well as their imported products.