1932-Selmer Orchestre Model-Serial Number 98

This wonderful guitar is one of the few surviving examples of the pre-production models built by Selmer under the direction of Mario Maccafferi. The Selmer log book only lists a handful of the first hundred guitars they produced as official record keeping didn't start until they reached serial #100. These pre-production models are exceedingly rare and for that reason, are highly coveted by collectors and players. Pre-production models all have serial numbers below 100 and usually share the following traits: - An engraved bakelite label mounted on the internal resonator - The serial number is engraved on the top of the headstock -The headstock displays Maccaferri's name along with "PAT. Nº 10.431" -A stair stepped tailpiece with an ebony saddle and tortoise insert (later models have the more typical rounded tailpiece with a ebonite insert.) -no fingerboard dots (this guitar had fingerboard inlays and dots added later.) Additionally, this particular example was constructed with macassar ebony back and sides which, to my knowledge, makes it the only Selmer ever built using macassar ebony.

Photos and Description Courtesy of DjangoBooks.com

Produced: 1932

Serial No: 98

Comments:

Priced at $35,000 in May 2021 then listed as sold.  Available as of 11/2022 for $45,000

https://www.djangobooks.com/Item/selmer-98

Previous auction results on Orchestre #98 from Christies LIVE AUCTION 8517
FINE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:

a french guitar

BY HENRI SELMER/MARIO MACCAFERRI, CIRCA 1932

 
Price realisedUSD 9,400
Estimate
USD 8,000 – USD 12,000
 
Closed: 3 May 2001

 

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-2036140?ldp_breadcrumb=back&intObjectID=2036140&from=salessummary&lid=1

DETAILS

 

a french guitar
By Henri Selmer/Mario Maccaferri, circa 1932
Branded internally Fabriqué en France par H. Selmer & Cie/sous la Direction Technique de/Mario Maccaferri and at the peghead Maccaferri Pat. No. 10431/Henri Selmer Paris, the back and sides of ‘calamander’ rosewood, the spruce top of medium grain, the walnut neck and later ebony fingerboard with pearl inlay, the length of back 18½in (470mm), width of lower bout 15¾in (400mm), with case (2)

SALE ROOM NOTICE

 

Please note the instrument bears the serial number 98 stamped at the top of the peg head.