60's Vintage Gretsch Ess & Ess Hardshell Case - RARE Faux Red Alligator

60's Vintage Gretsch Ess & Ess Hardshell Case - RARE Faux Red Alligator

Rare original vintage Gretsch, Ess & Ess Hardshell Case in good condition. Made by Ess & Ess Mfg. Co. “QualityCases” Brooklyn, N.Y. This is most likely from the 1960’s. These cases were used by Gretsch, Gibson, Martin, Guild and others from 1952 thru the early ‘70’s. This case is structurally solid and worn/threadbare in all the right places (check photos for condition). The insignia on the inside of the case reads Ess & Ess Mfg. Co. “Quality Cases” Brooklyn, N.Y. The cases were supplied separately and cost extra to the guitar. Fully functional, and highly desirable among collectors.

Rare Faux Red Alligator exterior with Black trim and Tan interior. Fits a Gretsch 6119 Tennessean or similar size arch top thin line guitars; Gibson 330, 335, etc. Gold exterior Gretsch badge. 4 latch (1 broken) + 1 Key latch (no key). Tan interior, top has wear from a Bigsby type arm. Case has a nice interior compartment with Ess & Ess Sticker on the neck support. There are no offensive odors, the handle is sturdy. It’s very solid and secure. Beautiful example of a vintage Gretsch Ess & Ess case. 

Interior dimensions: Length 43” - Upper bout 12.5” - Waist 10.5” - Lower bout 16.5” - Depth: 3” (not including top/lid)

Exterior dimensions: Length 44” - Upper bout 14.5” - Waist 12.5” - Lower bout 18.5” - Depth: 4.5”

If you have an old Gretsch guitar and you want the proper case this could be for you. The case has some wear and tear as might be expected from a case that is over 60 years old, overall it is a very nice case. The interior offers excellent protection, with sturdy construction and the unmistakable build quality of vintage USA-made Gretsch cases. The original "Ess & Ess Mfg. Co. “QualityCases” Brooklyn, NY" sticker is still in-tact.

Authentic vintage Gretsch Ess & Ess hardshell case with a Red Alligator finish. Highly collectible and was most notably associated with the mid-1950s Chet Atkins models like the 6120. Finding an original case in this specific finish is rare. Finding a specific "Red Gator" hardshell case for a Gretsch 6119 Tennessee Rose/Tennessean can be tricky because Gretsch's official deluxe cases typically feature a black Tolex exterior with a striking red or burgundy plush interior. 

Ess & Ess Archtop Hardshell Guitar Case

Ess & Ess Music Case Co., Inc. was a prominent American manufacturer of musical instrument cases based in Brooklyn, New York. Operating primarily from the 1950s until 1984, they were a major supplier for legendary instrument brands, and their hardshell cases are now highly sought after by vintage collectors to complete "all-original" sets.

Key Identifiers & Features

• The Badge: Original sticker, located on the interior accessory pocket neck rest.
• Brooklyn Roots: Label features Ess & Ess Mfg. Co. “QualityCases” Brooklyn, NY.
• Construction: Features an arched top made of wood laminate.
• Interior: Tan lining with accessory pocket. 

Ess & Ess cases were the "original equipment" (OEM) for several high-end manufacturers: 

• Gibson: Used frequently in the late 1950s and 60s for models like the J-45, J-50, and Hummingbird.
• Guild: A very common partner; many 1960s and 70s Guild acoustics and hollow bodies (like the F-40 or Starfire) shipped in Ess & Ess cases.
• Gretsch: Supplied cases for iconic models like the Tennessean and Anniversary in the 1960s, often featuring a grey/black "salt and pepper" exterior.
• Fender: While less common than G&G or Victoria, they occasionally appear as original cases for early 1960s basses and guitars.
• Others: They also produced cases for Kramer, Dan Armstrong, Epiphone, and Mosrite. 

• Specialty Cases: Rare "faux alligator" or "gold interior" cases can command higher prices from collectors looking to match a specific year of production.

Used – good

Price

$500

+ $75 Shipping