Thanks to everyone for all the warm welcomes, advice, and suggestions. I have a little information to add about the guitar. I was told it was consigned by the original owner from the person I purchased it from. By its condition I have no reason to doubt the fact. It looks to be all original except for a mismatched screw on the back and a new electrical cord (unfortunately white). I will try to post a photo tomorrow of the motor and pulley and mechanics and whatever else I find inside. I have taken CJ's advice and posted my introduction and guitar photos on the Rickenbacker Steels section since it is pretty much a lap steel with a round neck. I am not sure if I should be posting in two sections at once about the same guitar? Any suggestions as to the protocol in this situation would be appreciated.
I would like to thank everyone for the interest and kind words about my Electro Vibrola Spanish Rickeknbacker. After giving it a lot of thought I cannot justify keeping it and have decided to try to sell it to someone who can get it out into view more than I am able to. Maybe someone who plays out or has a historical collection open to the public? I will be posting it on the Rickenbacker Marketplace forum today. If anyone on the RickkResource Forum is interested in seeing it or might know someone who is I will be taking it to a guitar show in Northern California this weekend.
Thanks again for all the warm welcomes.