Help identify 40's-50's hollowbody

[Hagstrom]

Does anyone know the make of this guitar?

I know it was made pre-'54 but most likely in the 40's.
My best guess is some old Epiphone model, but I know nothing...
any suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks

[VintAxe]

Hi Hagstrom.

The guitar is definately of German origin. The stylized f holes and full band inlays are almost exclusively associated with German builders.

It looks very similar to Hofner's 462/S/E3 which is essentially a 3 pickup electric version of the guitar in your picture. The 462 was built between 1957 and 1960, your guitar was likely a precursor to the 462.

[Spud1950]

I agree that it is some brand of German guitar.It certainly has a lot of the characteristics of a Hofner.It took a lot of staring at that not very good photo, but it appears to me that the pickup/control module is one of those add on units and that the guitar is actually an acoustic model. Is it possible to post a better picture of it?

Edit -HAd some time to do some more digging.Looks like it is a Hofner made guitar. I found some Hofner models with a pearloid/diamond inlay headstock,although I can't find your exact model.They only appear on some late 50s,early 60s models.Also, the sound hole cutouts,referred to as "cat's eyes", don't show up until the 60s,so that might help with the dating.Definitely not 40s. Here's some examples of models with same headstock











Here's the link to a great, very extensive Hofner guitar site that I used.

[Hagstrom]

Thanks for your help.
I found out it is a Hofner 462 sold under the brand "Gagliano" in the US.
See pic
and at Hofner website
At first I didn't react to the fact it's acoustic in the pictures above, since all the other details looked so alike... But like Spud1950 say pickups and controls must have been added on.