Multigenerational '30s-'50s Guitar
Multigenerational '30s-'50s Guitar [Gear ID]
I'm looking for help IDing the pictured guitar.
I don't know much about guitars, let alone this one in particular, but these are the leads I have, and I thought this would be a good place to get some help. It's been in the family for at least three generations, four might be more realistic, given the estimated dates I have for it. Any and all help is appreciated, as this was one of my grandfather's many guitars, but it's the oldest, and not as clearly marked with a make, model, and/or other identifiers.
Bridge feet feature distinctive heart-shaped flourishes, frequented on deluxe or custom versions of budget arch tops from Chicago manufacturers (Harmony, Kay, Regal).
Structural similarities to a Kay K-32 or K-37.
During the 1940s-'50s, Ward and Sears sold letter kits for customization.
1930s-'40s Kay Musical Instruments Company and Harmony produced for catalog retailers, like Sears (Silver tone), and Montgomery Ward.
Looking inside the F-holes, there is a Wards sticker, with a Wonder Woman-esque W design, often used on the Recording King and Airline house brands, but I don't see a L-XXXX production number, S-40 or F-41 (Summer 1940 or Fall 1941) date code, etc.
Guestimate: 1938-'42 Pre-WWII American Archtop
May have cost a whopping $15-25