1939 United Elitone Parlor Guitar – Prewar Chicago-Built Vintage Acoustic – Family Owned Since New

Up for sale is an incredibly rare and original prewar United Elitone parlor guitar purchased new in Chicago in 1939 and kept in the same family ever since. The guitar was later brought to Mississippi, where it remained with the original owner’s family for generations before I acquired it directly from the great-grandson.

This is a true Depression-era / prewar American parlor guitar with outstanding vintage character and authentic wear that only comes from nearly 90 years of history.

Features include:

• Original United Elitone headstock decal

• Beautiful aged natural finish

• Large Art Deco-style fretboard inlays

• Original vintage tuners with white buttons

• Original tailpiece

• Unique oversized tortoise-style pickguard

• Birch body construction typical of late-1930s Chicago-built instruments

• Incredible old-growth wood resonance and dry vintage tone

The guitar has the exact look and feel collectors and blues players search for — pure old Delta / folk / railroad-blues vibe. This instrument would be equally at home in a vintage collection, recording studio, blues setup, or displayed as Americana art.

Condition:

For an instrument approaching 90 years old, it presents exceptionally well. Honest cosmetic wear throughout including finish checking, edge wear, scratches, and patina consistent with age. Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.

The guitar appears largely original and unmodified. I have not attempted restoration beyond light cleaning. Sold as-is due to age.

History & Provenance:

• Purchased new in Chicago in 1939

• Brought to Mississippi by the original owner

• Stayed in the same family for generations

• Acquired directly from the original owner’s great-grandson

These early Chicago-built parlor guitars are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially with authentic family provenance and this level of originality.

A seriously cool piece of American music history.