What we have here is an exceptionally rare and well-preserved 1951 Fender Nocaster—a short-lived and iconic model that holds a unique and revered place in Fender’s early history.
 
A Brief History of the Model
Spring 1950 : Fender launched the Esquire as a single-pickup or double-pickup guitar without a truss rod.
 
October 1950 : they had added a truss rod and released two versions: the Broadcaster (with two pickups) and a revised Esquire (with one pickup).
 
February 1951 : Fender received a cease-and-desist telegram from Gretsch, which held the trademark for the name “Broadkaster” on their drum line. The telegram, dated February 20, 1951, forced Fender to respond quickly—they simply snipped the Broadcaster name off the headstock decal, leaving only the "Fender" logo.
 
These nameless guitars, built from roughly February to September 1951, just before the "Telecaster" name was officially adopted, are now known by collectors as Nocasters. With fewer than 500 ever made, they are among the rarest and most sought-after Fender guitars from the brand’s early days.
 
The Story of Nocaster #1126
 
This particular Nocaster, serial number 1126, stands out for several compelling reasons.
It is prominently featured in André Duchossoir’s classic reference book The Fender Telecaster (1991), with detailed photographs on pages 54, 69, 73, and 77, and mentioned in the text on pages 74 and 78. André Duchossoir acquired the guitar during his research for the book. Based in Paris, he sold the instrument through Guitar Express, a renowned vintage shop in the city.
Nocaster #1126 is also listed in the Werner List—a respected serial number registry compiled by American vintage expert James Werner. It was added in the August 1986 supplement, cementing its place in Fender documentation.
Purchased from Guitar Express around 1990-91, this Nocaster remained in a single private collection for 35 years before arriving at Brussels Vintage Guitars.
 
 
Description of Nocaster #1126
 
This is a textbook example of a vintage Nocaster. The guitar features a gorgeous, lightweight two-piece ash body, weighing only 3.15 kg / 6.945 lbs. The original blonde nitrocellulose finish has aged beautifully, allowing the ash grain to shine through. The body remains unmodified, showcasing its pure 1951 craftsmanship. Before being owned by Andre Duchossoir, the guitar had two smiley stickers (one on pickguard, one on body). The one on body is almost invisible except with black light and the on the pickguard left traces visible depending on angle.
 
Electronics & Hardware
Most of the electronics remain original:
Original pickups
Original 3-way switch
One original Stackpole pot (dated 21st week of 1950 — 304021)
One old replacement Stackpole pot (dated 16th week of 1966 — 3046617)
 
At some point, the wiring have been altered to a more modern circuit (volume and tone) with a different small capacitor on the switch but fortunately, it's now been restored to the original "blend" circuit configuration:
Neck position = neck pickup alone with bass sound
Middle position = neck pickup alone
Bridge position = bridge pickup alone with possibility to blend of both pickups using the “blend” knob (which would later become the tone knob on Telecasters).
It’s worth noting that while the bridge pickup wire from the pickup to the pot has been cut and repaired, the pickup windings themselves remain original.
 
Neck & Playability
The maple neck features the original TG 8/17/51 signature from legendary neck shaper Tadeo Gomez—a true mark of distinction. It retains its original finish and headstock decal.
The neck has a thick D-profile, typical of early Nocasters, and the original frets are still in excellent playing condition.
 
Original hardware includes:
Steel bridge with three brass saddles
No-line Kluson tuners with patent numbers on the back
Bridge cover is missing, as is often the case (most players removed them)
 
Case
Included is the original "thermometer" case, now a rare and collectible item in its own right. Despite its age, the case is in excellent condition, with all latches and hinges intact. The plush interior has helped preserve the guitar remarkably well for over 70 years.
 
Tone & Feel
This Nocaster plays like a dream. The chunky neck and light, resonant body combine for an exceptional playing experience. The tone is clear, punchy, and dynamic, with excellent sustain. Whether you're playing clean or overdriven, the guitar delivers a rich vintage character with plenty of presence.
Despite its age, this instrument shows signs of careful, light use. Being under the stewardship of a single owner for 35 years has no doubt contributed to its remarkable condition and documented provenance.
 
A Collector’s Dream
Made just before the "Telecaster" name was introduced, this August 1951 Fender Nocaster isn’t just a rare instrument—it’s a milestone in electric guitar history.
Its blend of playability, tone, and authentic originality makes it as valuable to serious players as it is to discerning collectors. With known provenance, appearance in respected publications, and exceptional preservation, guitars like this almost never come up for sale.
 
Specifications
Body: Two-piece ash body
Serial Number: 1126 (on bridge plate)
Neck Date: TG 8/17/51
Neck Pocket Date: TG 8/13/51 (with "D" stamp)
Weight: 3.15 kg / 6.945 lbs
Pots: 1x original Stackpole 304021 (21st week of 1950)
1x replacement Stackpole 3046617 (16th week of 1966)
Tuners: Original no-line Kluson
Case: Original Thermometer Case
 
 
We have more pictures available so do not hesitate to ask