1953 Fender "Blackguard" Telecaster

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1953 Fender Telecaster, an early Blackguard that captures the essence of Fender’s pioneering electric design.

This guitar retains its original butterscotch blonde finish over ash, which has aged gracefully with subtle patina and checking, underscoring its status as a true collector’s example. The hardware remains intact, including the original bridge and single-ply black pickguard, as well as the original knobs and strap buttons. The original hardshell case and bridge cover are included, preserving the instrument’s period-correct presentation.

The neck features a classic rounded U profile with a 1.65" nut width and black fiber dot markers, offering the firm, substantial feel typical of early ’50s Teles. It has been professionally refretted with vintage narrow fret wire in excellent condition, ensuring smooth playability while maintaining a historically accurate specification. The headstock sports the original spaghetti waterslide decal, and the Kluson Deluxe no-line tuners are fully intact.

Electronics are original, with a rewound neck pickup complementing the bridge pickup’s bright, cutting voice. Original Stackpole potentiometers, cloth-bound wiring, and the 3-way CRL switch provide authentic tonal character and responsive playability, reflecting the iconic early Tele sound.

Overall, this 1953 Blackguard Telecaster offers a remarkable combination of originality, condition, and historical significance—a window into Fender’s earliest solid-body electrics that remains highly collectible and eminently playable.

Please note: given the value of this Telecaster, payment wire transfer is preferred.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Telecaster
• Year of manufacture: 1953
• Serial Number: 4817

Body

• Material: Ash
• Pencil Date: 6/18/53
• Finish: Original butterscotch blonde
• Weight: 7lb 15oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: 4-bolt maple
• Pencil Date: 11/57
• Profile shape: Rounded U
• Nut Width: 1.65"
• Depth: .90" (1st fret), .99" (12th)
• Inlays: Black fiber dots
• Frets: Refret with vintage narrow (.078"x.035"), excellent condition
• Headstock: Spaghetti waterslide decal
• Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe no-line

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Original three-saddle steel
• Pickguard: Original single-ply black
• Knobs: Original 
• Strap buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Original, neck rewound
• Impedance / DCR readings:
  • Bridge: 6.38KΩ
  • Neck: 9.44KΩ
• Potentiometers: Original Stackpole (304723) 
• Wiring: Original cloth-bound
• Switch: Original 3-way CRL

Condition: Very Good

• Very good vingtage condition with honest play-wear, patina, and finish checking throughout
• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs
• Professionally set up with .010s; low action with no buzzing or dead spots
• Original finish has aged gracefully
• Comes with original hardshell case, bridge cover, and leather strap