Epiphone Spartan 1946

With its 16.44-inch body, the Spartan positioned itself in the mid-range segment of the product line, yet still boasted high-quality features such as cello-style F-holes and white notched block inlays. Named after the ancient city of Sparta, the model exuded the same strength and elegance. The Spartan was produced until the mid-1950s and is now a sought-after model among collectors, particularly the postwar models built just before Epiphone's acquisition by Gibson. 

This 1946 Spartan is a beautiful example of Epiphone's postwar production. The guitar features Primavera back and sides and a two-piece arched spruce top with a clear nitrocellulose finish that beautifully showcases the natural wood grain. The mahogany neck has a solid V-profile with a compound radius of 7.25" to 9.5" on the rosewood fingerboard, which features elegant white notched block inlays. The triple black and white binding on the body, combined with the cello-style F-holes and the white binding on the neck, give the guitar its refined appearance. The adjustable compensated ebony bridge and trapeze tailpiece complete the look. 

This Epiphone Spartan has undergone considerable work over the years. It has had a neck reset and a refret, with the fingerboard leveled and filled at some places. The body was sanded and refinished, and both the bridge and nut were replaced. Despite these modifications, the guitar is in very good condition and retains a wonderful playing experience. The guitar was purchased by the Dutch Archtop Museum in May 2010 from Randy Barnett, guitarist in the Second Chance Blues Band from Wilmington, Delaware, and comes in a hardshell case.