Can anyone identify this 1950s archtop?

[tomtetom]

Hello everyone

I've recently bought the arch top pictured below. It has a number 29857-658 stamped on the back of the headstock (pictured).

I think it's a Capri 5/53 but this one has no truss rod, so I wonder if it's an earlier iteration? There is no label in the body of the guitar.

[Pilgrim]

Hi, I think you are right with the Capri, there is a model of it without a truss rod, see https://www.framus-vintage.de/5-53-Capri/5-53.2-Capri/
I think that the last three numbers on the headstock mean the date of production - June 1958, and that would fit perfectly.
Wondering about the two holes in the top - maybe from a pickup that was removed? Or was the bridge once changed?

[tomtetom]

Hi, I think you are right with the Capri, there is a model of it without a truss rod, see https://www.framus-vintage.de/5-53-Capri/5-53.2-Capri/
I think that the last three numbers on the headstock mean the date of production - June 1958, and that would fit perfectly.
Wondering about the two holes in the top - maybe from a pickup that was removed? Or was the bridge once changed?

Thanks - it seems to me that previous owners have added/removed hardware over time. It's in pretty good shape for a 60+ year old instrument and I plan to restore it to gigging over the coming 12 months. The neck is amazing!