1936-37 National Regal Conservatory Lap Steel. One piece, cast aluminium body and square neck, brown finish, 24 1/2 inch scale length, adjustable wooden bridge, a single twin blade pickup with tone and volume controls, pressed fibre fretboard with silver markings, rear facing three-on-a-plate tuners with black plastic buttons, suede finished ply panels on the rear, hard wired cable. I have not been able to come up with any info on this one. Branded 'National' on the end of the headstock, 'Conservatory' in the centre of the headstock, with a 'Regal' decal on the bottom edge behind the strings. I have gone for 1936-37, based on the cast aluminium - which is early lap steel production, and because Regal only built guitars for National in Chicago from 1936 until 1937.
A couple of minor chips to the finish on the flat edge and pickup housing, and some solder joints renewed, but overall in fine collector's condition and 100% original. Excellent output and a lovely mellow tone from the pickup. A rare and unusual longer scale length lap steel. Comes in the original hardcase. The case in very good condition.
$1,400 On sale - reduced to $1,100
