This Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe was built around 1947 based on the middle-position pickup type and location, control layout and the serial number. The serial is ‘75194’ with the 75 being a prefix for this model and the ‘194’ its production rank; this serial scheme was used from 1944 to 1950. The top is Laminate Spruce, the back and sides Laminate Maple and the neck a five piece layup of Maple and Walnut.
NYC
Here we’re looking at a Gretsch Chet Atkins 6122 Country Gentleman built during 1963, the same year as Harrison’s. This fine example is in very good condition, and is original except for the addition of a Gibson style, gold plated tune-o-matic bridge in place of the rocking bar bridge. The finish is worn on the neck where it’s been played – the frets are original and have expected wear – but the guitar has been well cared for and the finish is in overall good condition.
The Paramount Leader Tenor Banjo was produced from 1922 to 1935 by William Lange and company in New York City, and was one of the most popular mid-range, professional grade banjos available. Here we’re looking at a Paramount Leader Tenor banjo, likely built in 1924 – the serial number is not far from another known 1924 leader, and Paramount was building and selling a lot of instruments at that time. It features Indian Rosewood construction, for the neck, rim and resonator.
The Paramount Style B 5 string is built using Maple for the bulk of the wooden components, with a bound Brazilian Rosewood bridge and headplate. The classic, fairly complex inlay set is executed in engraved Mother of Pearl. There is natural wear and checking to the lacquer finish, and there is some damage to parts of the headstock inlays from previous re-gluing work, along with some cracks in the Brazilian Rosewood head plate – this is to be expected on an instrument nearly a century old.