Stella 12 String Parlor Guitar Appraisal

Stella 12-String Parlor Guitar

This appears to be an antique Stella 12-string parlor guitar, likely dating from the early 20th century. The instrument features a light-colored wooden body, possibly spruce or birch, exhibiting a warm, aged patina with visible wood grain. The general shape is that of a parlor guitar, characterized by its smaller, more curvaceous body compared to modern dreadnoughts. The soundhole is circular and appears to have decorative carving or inlay around its perimeter, which is a common characteristic of Stella guitars. The bridge is a rectangular 'tie-block' style, typical for steel-string guitars, and distinctively accommodates twelve strings with twelve corresponding bridge pins. The headstock is slotted, designed for twelve string tuners, which adds to its antique aesthetic. The fretboard is dark, likely rosewood or ebony, with dot inlays marking the frets. The binding around the edges of the body is intricate, possibly a herringbone or similar multi-layered pattern, showing excellent craftsmanship. The instrument is shown in 'great condition' as per the additional context, suggesting minimal structural damage, although minor surface wear, scratches, or finish checking consistent with its age and use are likely present but not clearly discernible from the provided image. The overall construction points to an instrument built with attention to detail, characteristic of American-made parlor guitars from that era. The context 'Stella' strongly suggests it is a product of the Oscar Schmidt Company or one of its subsidiaries which produced a wide variety of instruments under the Stella brand.