1920s Oriole Parlor Acoustic Guitar Project - 24" Scale - Needs Restoration

Vintage Oriole parlor acoustic guitar, dating to approximately the 1920s. This is a small-bodied pre-war parlor guitar with a 24" scale, 1.83" nut width, soft V neck profile, slotted headstock and period-style geared tuners.

A recently sold Oriole from the 1920s was identified as a Chicago-made Harmony/Regal/Kay/Lyon & Healy-type instrument, with a ladder-braced body, soft V neck and similar overall construction. The exact factory behind this example is difficult to prove from the remaining label, so I would list it simply as an Oriole rather than assigning a definite manufacturer.

This guitar is being sold strictly as a restoration project and is not currently playable.

Condition issues include:

• Multiple significant top cracks
• Top is noticeably wavy/deformed
• Bridge is lifting
• Gap present between the neck heel and body
• One tuner button is missing
• Significant finish wear, scratches and discoloration throughout
• Heavy oxidation and aging to the hardware
• Fingerboard and frets show substantial age and grime
• Interior paper label is only partially present/readable

The construction and dimensions are very much in line with American parlor guitars of this period. Similar 1920s examples often used ladder bracing, slotted headstocks, narrow bodies and pronounced V-shaped necks.

Specs measured from this guitar:

• 24" scale length
• 1.83" nut width
• 2 lbs 13 oz
• Total Length: 36.5"
• Lower Bout: 12.75"
• Upper Bout: 9"
• Parlor-size body

• Bound body
• 12-fret neck joint
• Slotted headstock
• Soft V neck profile

Sold as-is for restoration or parts. Expect this guitar to need substantial structural work before being returned to playable condition.

Bin - V1