Welcome to JTKM Vintage Guitars.

Here is a rare and beautifully preserved piece of British guitar history. This 1959 Selmer lap steel, serial number 568 stamped to the rear of the headstock, is a Selmer London-branded Hawaiian guitar from the golden era of British electrics — the type listed in the late-50s Selmer catalogues as the Novelectric / Proelectric range fitted with the Selmer 6-in-1 pickup unit, Patent No 2660/45.

Finished in natural mahogany with a deep walnut patina, this is the classic solid-body, non-pedal 6-string lap steel that Selmer offered before the Hofner-made Hawaiian Standard and Artist models took over the catalogue in the early 60s. Low serial numbers like this are seldom seen for sale.

Features:

•  Solid mahogany body with original natural finish showing wonderful grain

•  Original Selmer gold pickup assembly with black Bakelite TONE and VOLUME controls

•  Original brass nut and bridge plate, original wiring and pots

•  Original 3-a-side tuners with cream buttons

•  Iconic red Selmer LONDON England decal with gold laurel to the front of the headstock — worn but fully legible, exactly as you want on a 65+ year old Selmer

•  Rear headstock stamp "568" serial number

It’s a fantastic sounding lap steel — warm, clear and punchy, perfect for Hawaiian, country, blues, and slide.

Condition:

Honest vintage player-grade condition and all original. The body shows light play wear, fine surface scratches to the back and some lacquer checking consistent with age — visible in the detailed studio photos. No breaks, repairs or overspray. The Selmer decal has age wear to the edges. Frets / fret markers are original. Electrics appear completely original and untouched. Sold as a vintage instrument in preserved, original condition. Note, there is a small screw hole at the back of the headstock. I have left this alone.

Case & Extras — a complete outfit:

This is what makes No. 568 special — it comes as a full 1959 outfit:

•  Original Selmer snakeskin hard case in grey lizard with brown binding, working latches and original black handle. Exterior shows light age wear, interior is the original deep burgundy crushed velvet — still plush. With original small brown Selmer badge to the lid and original cream Selmer hang tag with ball chain.

•  Original coiled black lead with original jack

•  Period ephemera: De Pressle's Famous CONCERT SOLOS FOR HAWAIIAN GUITAR book (with Price $1.00 / Canada $1.20), THE HAWAIIAN WEDDING SONG by Charles E. King — Julie Rogers edition, plus W.E. Smith Music Ltd, 25 Denmark Street, London WC2 tag

A genuine time capsule from Denmark Street in the late 50s.