From Guitar World · · 1m 40s
Gene Autry's Lost Guitar Found in Sweden
Gene Autry's 1930s Martin guitar, missing for nearly 100 years, discovered in rural Sweden after being listed on Marketplace for $50.
In brief
Gene Autry's 1930s Martin guitar, missing for nearly 100 years, discovered in rural Sweden after being listed on Marketplace for $50. Gene Autry's long-lost Martin guitar, missing for nearly 100 years, was found in rural Sweden after being listed on Marketplace for $50. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Gene Autry's Guitar Disappears
An acoustic guitar once belonging to country legend Gene Autry vanished without a trace nearly a century ago.
Guitar Listed on Marketplace
Sandra Jakobsson listed the guitar on Marketplace for $50 after inheriting it from her father who died in 2021.
Guitar Restorer Notices Value
Guitar restorer Erik Hjertberg informed Sandra Jakobsson the guitar was worth far more than $50.
Expert Identifies Rare Model
Guitar expert Leif Lundbäck confirmed the guitar was an ultra-rare OM-45 with only 38 matching the design.
Guitar's Value and History
The guitar could be worth millions of Swedish kroner and has no visible serial number or documentation.
Ownership Dispute Begins
Sandra Jakobsson claims the guitar was inherited in good faith, while Autry's widow Jackie believes it was stolen.
Serial Number Found
Guitar repairer Andras Novak discovered the guitar's serial number matching Autry's from the 1930s.
Autry's Widow Claims Theft
Autry's widow Jackie states the guitar was stolen and should be returned, refusing to pay for it.
“She has to be honest or dishonest, and that’s up to her. I’m not interested in paying for something that was stolen in the first place. It’s illegal, it’s immoral, it’s unethical.”
Sandra Defends Ownership
Sandra insists she inherited the guitar in good faith and should keep it despite the 1932 theft.
“I believe I’m the rightful owner of the guitar. I’m the one who inherited it. So, with that said, I don’t think I’m being dishonest by wanting to keep it.”
Guitar Still Being Restored
The guitar is currently being restored by Andras Novak with no final decision on ownership yet.
What matters most
Gene Autry's long-lost Martin guitar, missing for nearly 100 years, was found in rural Sweden after being listed on Marketplace for $50.
