1952 Fender Blackguard Telecaster Guitar. SERIAL NUMBER: 2660. Made in USA. WEIGHT: 7lbs. 1.2 ounces (3k, 210g). This is an original guitar in vintage, naturally reliced condition. Plays wonderfully. BODY DETAILS: original butterscotch nitrocellulose finish. Notice the pin hole and dow hole markings on the body. On the side of the body is still a taped piece of paper containing the original owners set list, handwritten with the first song Ol Lonesome Me (E). In the neck cavity, written in pencil, #1, 8-11-52, CD and DAVIS. The CD stands for Charlie Davis who we believe made the body. There is also a wood stamp of the letter D, located in the cavity. The Blackguard pickguard is in very nice reliced shape, made of phenolite fiber board. Underneath the pickguard has the etched initials of DH. We were told the etched initials belong to the original owners wife as this was typical of Blackguard owners. The bridge is in great shape with its slanted side saddles. Saddle height and intonation screws and springs are a little rusty however still function, these were tested-mentioned for clarity. Rubber grommets for adjusting the bridge pickup height are original and have hardened however bridge pickup is in perfect position and tight to the bridge. Looking at the back of the body, notice the far left (or high E) string ferrule is slightly higher than the others. This was synonymous for a number of Blackguards being made during this period. ELECTRONICS: All electronics are original. Potentiometers, Clarostat pots, blue ink stamped CM 11546 and 140233 denoting pots were made on the 33rd week of 1952. Three-way switch stamped CRL 1452, three patent numbers 2291516, 2291517, 2503885 and Made in USA. Switch tip is stamped PAT PEND DAKAWARE CHICAGO. Both capacitors read ZSW155, .05 MFD, 150 VDC, C-D. Pickups have nice strong readings and have not been modified or rewound. Neck pickup reading is 7.78k while the bridge pickup reading is 7.04k. All wiring is 100% original. NECK: Made by Tadeo Gomez. His initials are penciled in at the butt, reading: TG 8-4-52. There is also a wood stamp of the letter D corresponding to the D stamp on the body. Decal is located on top of the finish which displays beautifully. Tuners are original Kluson No Line, stamped, PAT APPL 2356766. Neck radius of 7.25 and slim D shape, not as big as a baseball shape neck. The only modification that we can see is that at one point the original owner used another set of tuners on this neck, you can see the impressions on the back of the headstock. We are not sure at what point this was done, the impressions are dark. The original tuners were placed back on prior to the present collector acquiring the guitar. Included with this fabulous Blackguard is it’s original Bulwin “Thermometer” case in excellent vintage condition, the plush brown interior is in great shape as well. These original Thermometer cases are rarer than the Blackguards themselves. A copy of Nacho Banos’s “The Blackguard Book” with the same matching serial number to the guitar, number “2660”. This 412 page hardcover book is the ultimate book of knowledge for all Fender Blackguards dating from 1950-1954. This numbered book has never been opened nor will it be except for the winning bidder. Photos of the book in this listing are that of another copy. Also included is the ashtray bridge cover, the original owners handmade guitar strap with his name stamped on the leather, a 1973 copy of “North Country Review” celebrating the life of the original owner who past away in 1969, and some vintage 50’s Fender and steel guitar picks. We place a fresh set of GHS Boomer .010-.046 strings on the guitar as well. An unbelievable acquisition for someone’s collection. This wonderful guitar would add value to any collection, shop or home. As always please see all photos for more detail. All items are looked over but not inspected further than with the naked eye. If you require any additional pictures to determine condition or authenticity or have any further questions please reach out to us prior to bidding.