Very rare 1959 Fender Stratocaster, original aqua-blue sparkle finish, with original owner color photos, letter, and 1962 Silvertone amp.

Kept in the same family for near 50 years, this spectacular guitar is not only beyond-rare, it is complete with photographs of the original owner with the guitar in the early 1960's. The photos authenticate and show the '59 Strat already in its stunning aqua-blue sparkle color. Also included is a letter from original owner "Mike", who in early 1960 sent the Stratocaster back to Fender to have them match the color to his drummerÂ’s sparkle-blue drum kit.

Check out the included early black and white photo. That's one happy Mike at his grandmotherÂ’s house, just after getting his Strat back, and practicing for a gig that night with his band "The Paragons". Also note the big Silvertone amp in the same photo. Since then, the guitar remains completely un-molested and (other than some buffing to remove a bit of grime and roughness) is as original as the day Mike got it back 57 years ago.

The striking aqua-blue finish is still bright, bold, and beautiful. The untouched, un-refinished original neck (with "TG 11-59" neck date), still has its original frets. The pots are dated first week of 1959. The pick-ups, pickguard, and every part is 100% original to the guitar.

Also included with the Stratocaster is the very clean and original 1961 Silvertone Model 1474-T amp, plus the early photographs, a letter from Mike the original owner, plus the Strat's original tweed Fender hard-case, original strap, patch-cord, Silvertone tag, footswitch, 1958 DownBeat magazine, and two late '50's and early '60's Fender catalogs.

An extremely rare and beautiful guitar, whether under glass, on stage, or jamming with friends in your own den. Whether you are a collector, investor, player, or all three, this is a guitar that comes up for acquisition perhaps once in a lifetime.

From the Illinois Collection.

Guitar is in excellent-fine condition, with approximately six to seven small dings and scratches. Overall very clean. All parts are original to the guitar. Other than buffing, nothing has been done to the guitar since it was returned by Fender to the original owner in 1960. The 1961 Silvertone Model 1474-T amplifier also appears to be all-original, with the exception of two replaced tubes. Amp is otherwise untouched, with original speakers, electrics, and footswitch, and is in equally clean condition.