Guitar Collector Forum

Hi. I have inherited an Old Kraftsman Laptop Steel Guitar and know little about it. I know it is supposed to be shaped like the Empire State Building. It measures approx 80cm long and is 20cm wide at the base. It has 6 strings, a tone and a volume knob and is wired for use with an amplifier. I have heard it played by a professional player and it sounds fantastic. There is some wear and tear.

If anyone can give me a clue as to its value for insurance purposes or any more info about it I would be much obliged.

Thanks
Ann

Hi Anne,

The "Old Kraftsman" label was a brand used by the Spiegel mail-order catalog company.

The guitars were manufactured by other companies and branded with Spiegel’s trade mark. Most of Spiegel's guitars were purchased from Chicago manufacturer Kay, and for a short time in the ’30s from Gibson.

Can you give us an idea of how old it is? I'm thinking 1940's - does that sound right?

Old Kraftsman guitars are not usually particularly valuable (maybe in the hundreds of dollars, but not thousands), but yours does look unusual. If you can give any more information about its' age and/or history I'll try to find out more.

If there is any label or serial number, a close-up photograph of that would be useful.

Paul