1950 Fender Double Esquire/Broadcaster Clive Brown Restoration

1950 Fender Double Esquire Broadcaster Serial 0657 Clive Brown Restored

An exceptionally rare and historically significant 1950 Fender Double Esquire Broadcaster, bridge plate serial number 0657. This is a true first-generation Fender from the earliest days of blackguard production, representing the transition from the original Esquire platform into what would become the Broadcaster.

This instrument is accompanied by a signed restoration assessment from renowned vintage authority Clive Brown. His findings confirm the presence of original black finish remnants within the cavities and wiring channels, supporting its origin as an early black finish double-pickup Esquire configuration. The body and neck were subsequently refinished by Clive Brown as part of a cohesive and expertly executed restoration. The result is visually correct, highly convincing, and true to the character of an early blackguard instrument while remaining honestly represented.

Included with the guitar are original developed 35mm photographs documenting the instrument as the second owner (who I acquired it from) received it prior to the first restoration in 1990. These photographs form an important part of the provenance and clearly show the instrument in stripped condition. Within these images, the original faded TG signature is visible on the heel along with an accompanying pencil date, now largely illegible.

The original white pickguard is included and shown in the period photographs. It had been routed for a humbucker by a previous owner, but remains an original surviving component tied to the guitar’s history.

The guitar retains its correct Fender Pat Pend bridge plate stamped with serial number 0657 along with original early-style hardware throughout. Both the original neck and bridge pickups have been professionally rewound to Broadcaster specifications by Joe Dobson of JKG Guitars in London, a highly regarded specialist in early Fender pickup restoration. The guitar has also been refretted and is currently set up to play well.

Also included is a Carter Vintage appraisal signed by Walter Carter. At the time, the instrument was identified as a Nocaster based on incorrect information previously provided by Fender to the original owner. While the document remains a valuable part of the paper trail, the guitar is more accurately understood today as a 1950 Fender Double Esquire Broadcaster.

This is not an untouched example, but rather a documented, expertly restored, and highly compelling early Fender with significant provenance, strong visual presence, and undeniable historical importance. Instruments from this narrow window of Fender production rarely surface with this level of documentation and continuity of ownership.

Please review all photos carefully for condition. Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for additional photos. This guitar will be professionally packed and shipped fully insured for your peace of mind.