Interesting vintage guitar

Willie

This guitar is for sale in Hamburg:

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/django-reinhardt-gypsy-selmer-busato-gitarre-raritaet/2751687793-74-9442

As the owner writes, the label ist hard to read:

I am not tempted to buy it, but I love guitar puzzles/mysteries/riddles.

I think the label says "Francesco Olivieri".

Francesco Olivieri lived from 1895 -1979. He started making instruments in his home town of Catania in Sicily from the 1920’s onwards and then moved to France, establishing his workshop in Paris in the early 30’s.

In Paris he has been one of “Django Reinhard’s luthiers”. Around 20 Gypsy Jazz guitars from Oliveri are known today.

Olivieri returned to Catania just before the outbreak of the 2. world war and started to built custom made guitars, mandolins and other stringed instruments.

Olivieri was at the ‘cutting edge’ of pioneering guitar design in the 1930’s when the demand for louder guitars was at its height and the dexterous guitar skills of Django Reinhardt & The Hot Club de France reigned supreme.

Here are some merit of Francesco Olivieri:

– 1923 Milan: Received Diploma of Prize Gold Medal for his guitars and mandolins.

– 1923 Paris Esposition Internationale du Progres Moderne: Goldmedal for guitars

– 1926 Exhibited musical instruments at the III Exhibition Trade Fair Tripoli MCMXXIX-VII Government of Tripolitania (Libya) and also at the National of Small Industries and Dell’Artigianato Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Florence.

– 1954 Silver Medal winner at the 2nd National Competition of Contemporary Violin Making in Rome promoted by ‘Accademia Nazionale Santa Cecilia of which he was an honorary member.

– 1957 Exhibited at the National and International Handicrafts Trade Fair Florence.

– 1970 Naz. Liut. Art. Ital. Diploma awarded by The Loyalty crafts Provincial Union Artisan Companies in Catania.

(Quoted from https://www.vintage-guitar-world.com/shop/francesco-olivieri-1958/)

Buco

Does the ad say what kind of wood is the top?

Gouch

“Does the ad say what kind of wood is the top?”

What a cool looking guitar this is, love it.

Wild Guess:

Given visible seams, the grain spacing, and the irregular-ish stain penetration and sap lines, it looks from afar to be a 4-piece top of Pinus pinaster (aka “maritime pine”, which a mediterranean builder would likely have had ready access to). 🤷‍♂️

Willie

@Buco No details at all, here is a translation of the ad text:

Description
Django Reinhardt Gypsy Selmer - Busato - guitar rarity from around 40 years ago

The instrument was built around the 1940s
Only the finest woods are used, see photos

Unfortunately it's difficult to read the note, so I can't say who the guitar maker was, given the type and shape it could be a Busato!
But I can't guarantee that and therefore don't take any responsibility if it's not a Busato!


This Django guitar sounds like a Django guitar should sound full of dry sound


The instrument was restored many years ago
Condition is fantastic, see photos

Of course there are signs of wear and tear. Strings need to be changed

You are welcome to play the guitar in Hamburg Mitte and see the sound for yourself

A real collector's item!!

Suitcase is included