Hello Cesar here...
Sorry for my no French knowledge...
No offense anyone. I found out this link on server statistics so I read it and was curious. Had to google-translate it a bit though...
Vectorxx: Good memory. We sold a 1920s Weissenborn without shield inside. The "shield" was the guitar itself. We did not hide this fact in any case and wrote it at description. Guitar was a 1920s. At first, we thought that there were people removing shields to make fake copies probably. But after a little more research we found out another answer. Some Weissenborns, as you all know, were shielded with the "H.Weissenborn Los Angeles, Cal." and some others featured a Hermann Weissenborn picture holding a style 2 guitar. Some of this paper ones were loosen during all the long history of these guitars and owners (not conscious the value they would have in the future), probably decided to totally remove them instead of re-glueing them again.
We are receiving next week a style 2 with paper removed and even marks of paper still left there. Obviusly, no shield, but obviusly, a 1920s.
My camera is a Nikon...one of this fake digital reflex. No filter I have and I admit images are a bit dark. I actually like the color, but it can lead you to think shield is darker.
Im uploading a recent picture (5MB) so you can all see on detail the 2 original Weissenborns that we now have. The newer one arrived (the redish one) has a repaired crack at bottom below bridge. Its long but superficial. Both sound incredibly as well.
Sorry, but I do not know of anyone trying to pass guitars as originals when they are not. I run a serious business. Sell hundreds of guitars and banjos yearly and I dont play with my reputation for a little money. Im Asher dealer, Gold Tone dealer, Deering dealer...I even have my own brand of Weissenborn guitars as you know. Im not that stupid. We are the only ones that allow instrument returns (even for vintage!) without a problem. So you guys must be thinking Im shipping fake guitars away and expecting people to keep them happily. I try to provide all accurate info from my knowledge. If I say something wrong, its not bad intention. I always provide quality pictures when requested and have never hidden any flaw in an instrument that I considered significant.
I take the risks of buying guitars from overseas just judging by images and description..if I mistake in one purchase, I take responsability on me, but wont pass it to my customers, wich I have huge respect for as they feed me and my family.
The guitar is as is. Incredibly good for its age. I dont think it has been refinished, as when you look at it in your hands, you can see how old it is. Or it may have been refinished, but very very long time ago, near its construction age. What I most like is that guitar doesnt have any damage on wood or repair, being top perfectly flat without a single crack. What I dont like is that bridge pins are not originals and will have to be replaced. Tuners are incredibly well. No rust. I was the first to think they werent original, but according to Tony Francis, these were used on post 1930´s Weissenborns. Black tuners were the least used, but they´re not the first ones I see. Case is also original.
The other weissenborn, arrived last week, has more traditional redish shellac finish, as most of the Weissenborns you have seen. It sounds even better.
I understand reservations you may have for long distance purchases, but I have earned an intact reputation for the last 6 years of guitar business. Of course, you cannot satisfy everyone 100% and problems occur, but we always have done our best to have customers happy.
So invite all escepthical to come, see and try (Nero I wait you here, and will keep good price for you). And also, remark that we accept returns, even for vintage instruments, wich I dont think many shops do.
www.weissenborn.es/images/originals.JPG
All the best to everyone,
Cesar.
PS. I have relisted temporary the guitar Vertoxx mentioned. As you can see, nothing to do with any of the newer ones.
http://www.weissenborn.es/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=17