Stafford Classical

[Stuball48]

Wound up at an an auction yesterday with a friend who was looking for antique pocket knives and got there early enough to look around. To my surprise, I discovered 6 acoustic guitars and I judged two to be vintage by the 3 on 1 tuners. I could find no writings on the tuners - maybe knowledge on this forum can help.
The guitar I decided to bid on - should they sell before the knives - was a Stafford Classical. About two hours later a young helper brought out the Stafford and an old Truetone - selling two together. I bought 'em both and the Stafford was a much better built guitar IMO. But the Truetone had the vintage 3 on 1 tuners.

 

[Stuball48]

Couple more

 

[Brad Little]

The back of my brain is telling me that Stafford was a store brand, like Silvertone/Sears or Airline/Monkey Wards, maybe JC Penny? Of course the back of my brain has often been wrong.

 

[AcornHouse]

Are you sure that’s a classical? Usually the classical tuners have a much thicker barrel, while steel string slotted headstocks have those smaller metal ones.

 

[Stuball48]

Are you sure that’s a classical? Usually the classical tuners have a much thicker barrel, while steel string slotted headstocks have those smaller metal ones.

I am not sure at all and I, actually, wondered the same thing. The Auctioneer was lacking in guitar knowledge but Classical was in his introduction as he started the bidding. I am leaning your way.

 

[Stuball48]

The back of my brain is telling me that Stafford was a store brand, like Silvertone/Sears or Airline/Monkey Wards, maybe JC Penny? Of course the back of my brain has often been wrong.

And Brad you may be exactly right.
I hope more members come along with information like you and AcornHouse.
It had no strings or saddle and before I move forward - I am trying to gather as much info as possible.
Any idea on age of tuners

 

[Brad Little]

Like AcornHouse said, metal slothead tuners usually are for steel strings, very common in Harmony made (and maybe Kay). Headstock doesn't look like Harmony to me, not as familiar with Kay.

 

[Uke]

The back of my brain is telling me that Stafford was a store brand, like Silvertone/Sears or Airline/Monkey Wards, maybe JC Penny? Of course the back of my brain has often been wrong.

J.C. Penny did brand much of their clothing line "Stafford." Who knows if that would have applied to other store items.

 

[AcornHouse]

The back of my brain is telling me that Stafford was a store brand, like Silvertone/Sears or Airline/Monkey Wards, maybe JC Penny? Of course the back of my brain has often been wrong.

This thread seems to think it’s a Japanese store brand. https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142977

These eBay listings look to be newer models from them but indicate the “company” was started in 1957.

stafford guitar in Acoustic Guitars for sale | eBay

www.ebay.com

I think yours would be from the earlier part of its history.

Note: there is a higher end builder in the UK with the same name. Not to be confused. His prices are much higher.