An uber rare 1939 ‘Columbian Prefect’ archtop, pre-war guitar built by Harmony in Chicago - USA and distributed under the Columbian name, for the UK market via Selmer. These seldom appear on the vintage market, and this example is made even more special by the inclusion of its rare original 1930s case, a remarkable survivor that completes the set. The Harmony Company was, by the 1930s, the largest instrument manufacturer in the United States. Their archtops, though originally affordable working-musician guitars, are now recognised for their unique tonal character and craftsmanship. This ‘Columbian-Prefect’ was one of their export models, sold in the UK, making surviving examples especially scarce today. Pre-war archtops like this defined the sound of early jazz, swing, and blues. Harmony instruments were widely played by gigging dance-band musicians including: Big Bill Broonzy – blues pioneer of the 1930s. Lonnie Johnson – influential early jazz and blues guitarist. Django Reinhardt – who famously played Selmer-distributed guitars in the same era. Vintage Harmony archtops have now been embraced by contemporary musicians seeking authentic vintage and retro roots tones include: Jack White – known for using vintage Harmony guitars in recordings and live performances. Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) – uses vintage American archtops for gritty, warm blues tones. •Indie​/​folk artists are increasingly turning to 1930s–40s Harmony archtops for rich acoustic-electric textures. Features Body: 16″ archtop with solid spruce top with flamed birch back & sides. Neck: Maple with Brazilian rosewood fretboard, pearl inlays, chunky yet comfortable profile. Finish: Original sunburst with attractive patina and light lacquer checking. Hardware: Floating bridge and tailpiece intact. Tuners: original fully functional. Playability: Straight neck. It has that classic swing-era feel. This guitar has been lightly played and lovingly cherished. It is in excellent condition for its 86 years presenting only very minor handling marks. no lacquer checking, no binding degradation, and no buckle rash, a true rarity for a vintage archtop of this age. Please review all photos carefully as they form a key part of the description. Additional photos available on request. Professionally set up with low, comfortable action and moderate relief to suit the installed Thomastik-Infeld - Jazz Flatwound (medium gauge) strings. The result is a superbly playable guitar with a rich, warm, and woody - mid range tonal depth, excellent clarity, and a well-rounded, mature voice, ideal for jazz, blues, and expressive clean jazz voicings and early jazz style articulate lead lines. Crafted during pre-war 1930’s “Golden Era” this rare survivor ‘Columbian Prefect’ is both a collectible rarity and a player’s guitar. For collectors, it’s a scarce Harmony-built export model with its uber rare original case. For players, it delivers the earthy, characterful tone that powered swing bands and blues artists of the 1930s, a sound near impossible to replicate with modern builds. It’s rarity, and outstanding condition make it not only an exquisite handcrafted archtop but also highly sought-after by serious collectors, discerning players, and vintage investors Not just a stellar guitar, but a compelling extraordinary prized instrument, an enduring investment piece, and a genuine classic piece of pre war jazz history ! FREE SHIPPING ! Delivery Conditions: This item will be carefully packed before being despatched using the best couriers and shall be fully insured by a separate dedicated transit insurance policy for the purchase amount. CCG T&C's apply at all times. See shop policies.