Epiphone Harry Volpe 1956 - Blonde

Vintage original 1956 Harry Volpe "blonde" Electric Archtop.   One of the rarest Epiphone guitars made.  Harry Volpe's prolific career as a performing Jazz guitarist, teacher, and guitar endorser culminated in the the creation of his signature Epiphone archtop. Approached by Epiphone in what would be their final years as an independent company, Volpe drafted specifications for a guitar suited to both the professional and novice player. 
The 15-1/4" Maple laminate lower bout with a 3-1/3" depth are a comfortable dimension for just about any sized player. A wide 1-3/4" nut with a 25.5" scale, 50's Gibson-style full C neck profile. Brazillian fingerboard. Factory pickup. "Carousel" knobs and original tuners and hard case, with latches working.
Professionally remade pick-guard and repaired binding. Original pickguard in case. Frets are the originals, no cracks or breaks. One replaced pot (original in case). Ancient decal under tailpiece. Wear through maple laminate on bottom edge (see photo) probably from contact with trouser leg. Not cracked, only worn through maple layer of laminate.
Plays and sounds sweet.
Shipping: Eastern seaboard of Australia = $150. Rest of Australia, please contact me for exact quote. Rest of world - the shipping price in the listing is an estimate. Contact me with your location for exact price.