Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

When were the first ones made?Who actually made them then? And now?I recall Smiths' Rick book saying something about them, but I can't find my copy of the book.Gibsons' Maestro Vibrola had what looked to be the same basic bent steel part that makes the unit work.So what exactly Is the deal, then and now, with them? Was/is this a patented thing?Licensed by the maker to Rick and Gibson?Anyone?

I know that the early (transitional?) ones in the early 60's (62?) said "Accent by Paul" on them, and, if I remember correctly (probably not) said "patent applied for" or "Patent Pending" on them.