Vintage 1953 Fender Blackguard Telecaster Guitar made in Fullerton, CA USA. SERIAL NUMBER: 3244. WEIGHT: 7lbs 2.2oz (3kg/240g) COLOR: Butterscotch nitrocellulose finish. TUNERS: Kluson No hine tuners stamped 2356766 PAT APPL on the underside of the tuner. PICKGUARD: phenolite fiber or Bakelite. NECK PICKUP: 4.91 OHM meter reading. BRIDGE PICKUP: 5.33 OHM meter reading. SWITCH- stamped CRL 1452, Made in USA, PATS 2291516, 2291517, 2503885. POT CODES: 304333. CAPACITORS: 1- ZSW/1S5/.05 MFD/150 VDC/ C-D. 2- ZNWIPI/.1 MFD/150 VDC/C-D. Switch tip stamped PAT No. 2189845 / Chicago / Daka Ware. BRIDGE: chrome plated steel. Outer saddles are angle cut. Middle saddle is even cut. Saddles are made out of brass. CONTROL AND NECK PLATES: Chrome plated steel. JACK CUP: Chrome plated. Milled in house. Strap buttons, string retainer, tuner bushings are nickel plated and milled in house. KNOBS- brass chrome plated. NECK: Baseball bat shaped, 7.25 radius, original decal on top of nitrocellulose lacquer finish, pencil date 12-53 on the neck butt. Original frets and nut, there is fret ware but it still plays very well. BODY: refinished by famous fender master builder Jay W. Black. This refine is so extraordinary in detail we could have gotten away with saying this work of art was original. There is beautiful checking throughout the body and "new like" finish impressions underneath the control plate, bridge plate, neck plate and pickguard is absolutely stunning. Original hand written 12-53 in red pencil and #3 written in regular pencil. Original masking tape penciled signature of Gloria and date 12-18-53. To add to the authenticity, please notice the two dowel plugs located on the back of the body. One is located on the lower middle portion of the body. The second hole is located two thirds up in the middle of the body. Also, the 4 nail finish holes located under the control plate, bridge plate, left of the neck pickup under the pickguard and on the lower horn underneath the pickguard. This is a spectacular and rare 1953 Fender Blackguard Telecaster with everything original including all hardware, electronics, pencil markings and signatures with the exception of the body refine. Guitar comes with and exact reproduction Poodle red plush interior case. The case was made pretty close to the exact specifications as the original 1950s poodle case. Also included is the original ashtray bridge cover, guitar strap and a few vintage Fender picks. Guitar also includes a copy of the book The Blackguard by Nacho Banos. This is the Bible of knowledge for all Blackguard Telecasters made from 1950-1954. Each book is serial number stamped in gold on the bridge plate of the front of the hardcover. Furthermore the serial number of this book matches to the serial number of the guitar #3244. The book has never been opened and is shielded in its original cardboard box, still wrapped in white paper. We will not be unwrapping this book. The Blackguard Book in the photos is another serial numbered book to show what the book looks like, mentioned for clarity. This lot is the ultimate treasure for the Fender collector. As always please see all photos for more detail and ask any questions prior to bidding. All items are looked over but not inspected further than with the naked eye. If you require any additional pictures to determine condition or authenticity or have any further questions please reach out to us prior to bidding in the auction at least 48 hours prior to the auction day. To ensure you know what you are bidding on and that you want the item please do not bid on any item in this or any auction without inspecting it yourself or sending someone to inspect it for you to ensure you know what you are bidding on and have personally confirmed the condition and description yourself. We make every effort to look over and picture all items but do not offer any warranties or guarantees of our titles or descriptions for any item in this or any other sale. Bidder is responsible for inspecting any items they bid on themselves or sending a professional to examine them for them prior to bidding and as such, absolutely no returns or refunds will be given due to any error in title, descriptions or pictures. If you do not have a stable internet connection, are unsure how to operate the technology, tend to experience glitches while on the internet, or do not feel fully confident bidding online PLEASE DO NOT BID ONLINE. All accidental bids made during a live auction are real bids and we can not cancel any bids during a live auction. Bidders are responsible for paying for any items they win under their bidding profile. If you make an accidental bid BEFORE the auction day please call Invaluable to have them cancel the bid as we do not have access to do this. If you have any other questions please call us at 207-890-8937 and we will answer any questions you have to the best of our ability.