1950s M-75 Aristocrat Strange Numbering on Headstock

[adamjoseph125]

I saw this marking on the back 1950s M-75 Aristocrat? Any idea what it means?

 

[Brown-Recluse]

Are you referring to the indentations between the 'B' and 'A' tuners? If so, those remind me of the melt marks that were left by old plastic coil cords coming into contact with finishes for a prolonged period of time.

 

[adamjoseph125]

Interesting...it almost looked like a signature or branding of some sort, but that makes sense.

It sounds like you know these guitars well. I'm interested in buying my friend's '55 M-75. He inheritted from his grandfather. It's in fair condition (binding, possible refretting issues) but all original with provanance going back to the original purchase.

Do you know about how much something like that would sell for if I decided it wasn't for me? I like the idea of owning it but not losing my shirt if it does not work.

 

[SFIV1967]

Do you know about how much something like that would sell for if I decided it wasn't for me? I like the idea of owning it but not losing my shirt if it does not work.

Welcome to LTG! A mid 50's M-75 Aristocrat in excellent condition can be valued at around $5,000-5,500. Now you said she might need a refret so take the amount required away and you are still at $4,000-4,500. Obviously condition is everything and all needs to be original and the case as well. The tuners in your picture certainly look very good.
I can't read the first number of the serial number clearly if she is a 33xx she is from 1956, if 53xx she would be from 1957. I have a 1956 one myself.
Regarding those marks I would agree with Brown-Recluse, that looks like the nitrocellulose lacquer melted from some plastic coil guitar cord which was stuffend in the case under the headstock.



EDIT: I just looked at my one, that's the 3 and the 5, so yours might be 33xx, means 1956.



Ralf

 

[adamjoseph125]

Thank you very much...yeah, it's a 33, sona '56.