Kingston Parlor Guitar 1960's

Its a Kingston 19 fret parlor guitar, given to me by my aunt, probably very old, '50s or '60s, i know nothing about it. It was made in Japan, has an advertised Steel Reinforced Neck, only 4 inlays, 5,7,9,12 which seem to be glued on, and a black finish with a red design on it which looks like a guitar pick on both front and back.

ANSWER

The Blue Book gives only this information about Kingston guitars:

nstruments previously produced in Japan between 1958 and 1967. Distributed in the U.S. by Westheimer Importing Corporation in Chicago, IL.
The Kingston brand name was used by U.S. importer Westheimer Importing Corporation in Chicago, IL. Jack Westheimer, who was one of the original guitar importers and distributors, later went on to become president of Cort Musical Instruments in Northbrook, IL. The Kingston trademark was used on a product line of acoustic and solid body electric guitars, electric bass guitars, banjos, and mandolins imported into the U.S. market during the 1960s. It has been estimated that 150,000 guitars were sold in the U.S. during the 1960s. Some of the earlier Kingston guitars were built in Japan by either the Teisco company or Guyatone.

The pricing info:

MISC. ACOUSTIC FLATTOPS Add to Collection
- various configurations and appointments, mfg. late 1950s-1960s.

Excellent $125 - 175
Average $70 - 95

Lynne

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