The company achieved independence by 1880, and around 1888 the company launched fully into fretted and plucked instruments (guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and zithers)under the 'George Washburn' brand, which was Lyon's first and middle name. Lyon & Healy 1898 catalog listed 28 different styles of 'Washburn' guitars, ranging from $15 to $145. By 1865, Lyon & Healy had expanded into reed organs and some small instruments. Healy, acting as the Chicago outlet for Boston sheet music publisher Oliver Ditson and Company. Lyon & Healy began in 1864 as a partnership of businessmen George W. It is made with a spruce wood top, and the neck, back and sides are mahogany (neck may be cedar, but I'm not certain).
This guitar is the 'Inspiration Model,' so listed in Tonk Brothers catalogs from the early 30's. From several readings, I have learned that this is one of the great 12 fret, X braced Washburns. Made in Chicago in the late 1920's, or early 1930's. This rare find is in good condition, but does show some wear (please see pictures). For sale is my Dad's old Vintage Washburn 5200 Lyons & Healy/Tonk Brothers Parlor Guitar 1920's, #6981.
