1937 L-C “Century of Progress”, Serial Number 398 C

This 1937 L-C Century of Progress is one of the most visually striking small-body acoustic guitars of the prewar era. Rather than typical rosewood or ebony fingerboards, the Century of Progress instruments featured pearloid fingerboards and headstock veneers with inset rosewood markers and mother-of-pearl inlays, an eye-catching feature exclusive to a relatively small number of acoustic guitars and mandolins from 19331939.

This example is exceptionally clean, original, and fully serviced. This guitar has a rich caramel-toned sunburst over the beautifully figured maple back and sides, as well as over the spruce top. Theres exceptionally light playwear and checking throughout, with the most notable wear being a cosmetic scratch on the front of the body on the treble side of the lower bout. There are no cracks on the top, back, or sides.

Weighing just 3.74 pounds, this L-C is lightweight and lively with a booming yet dry and articulate tone. It is equally at home as a showpiece in a collection, recording in the studio, or in regular rotation as a player.

The neck is a soft but pronounced 1930s V profile that feels comfortable, full, and easy to play. The pearloid fingerboard is in excellent condition and features inset Brazilian rosewood fret markers with mother-of-pearl diamond inlays. The 15th fret rosewood insert is a slightly different shade of brown than the rest of the inlays and was possibly replaced at some point in the guitars history, and if so, the work was done neatly. The pearloid headstock veneer is in equally clean condition, also with a mother-of-pearl script logo inlay inset into rosewood detailing.

This guitar has been fully serviced by the team at The Commonwealth Luthier in Holliston, Massachusetts, including a neck reset, inspection and regluing of internal braces, and removal and regluing of the original Brazilian rosewood bridge. Additionally, a replacement vintage-spec bone saddle was crafted and installed, and the nut height was adjusted. It has been thoroughly inspected and maintained to ensure structural integrity and optimal playability.

The original brown-and-purple Lifton hardshell case is included. The guitar ships in a Deluxe Protector Series Small-Body Acoustic case.

This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the flat-top acoustic, all Certified Vintage flat-top acoustic guitars released in 2026 will include a commemorative Certificate of Authenticity featuring the official 100 Years of Flat-Tops logo.

Weight: 3.74 lbs. / 1.70 kg
Neck Depth: 1st Fret: 1.26, 9th Fret: 1.36