Cromwell Guitars are still somehow a bit of an industry secret. Gibson built, pre war instruments, they carry a lot of the same vibe both visually and sonically as their much more expensive counterparts - this Cromwell being very similar to an L-50. A nice photo of Jimmy Page with a later G6 model is a nice endorsement of these instruments. Constructed with a thin, solid Spruce top with arched mahogany back & sides, this 16" Archtop has a surprising sound and amount of power for a vintage instrument at this price point (again, remember its Gibson made). Internally, it has a heavy X bracing, this example with sealed top cracks (no cleats) with an accurate Gretsch & Brenner NY label. Externally, it features a nice checkered marquetry binding, a two piece rosewood bridge with plenty of height for future adjustment, and an era correct hanger tailpiece. As mentioned some sealed top cracks, but otherwise just expected pick wear and minor nicks. This example likely an early iteration, as they would turn to maple backs later on. The neck is designed with a 1 13/16" nut width and 25" scale length made of mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. As one would expect, it has a vintage thick baseball bat profile that Gibson was known for, measuring 1.05" thick at the first fret and about 1.2" at the tenth fret before the heel. The fingerboard has a dot MOP inlay and an ivoroid stripe, later issues of these would be seen with different inlay. The headstock has the early rooftop shape and Cromwell written in pearl. The necks profile has worn through the lacquer down to the wood, but plays great for those inclined by the thick size. The fingerboard binding is structurally sound. The fingerboard has been re-fretted, leaving nice action measuring about 6/64" in height at the twelfth fret - again with plenty of room at the saddle for any further adjustment. While this issue does not have a truss rod, the neck is very straight with an appropriate amount of relief. Kluson Deluxe tuners present and functional. A nice rarity from yesteryear at a great value.