Faced with the severe American Depression of the 1930s, Gibson general manager Guy Hart converted most of company production to toy manufacturing as a means to keep his workforce employed. Kalamazoo Playthings produced wood blocks and wooden pull-toys from 1931 to 1933, while the Kel Kroyden offshoot built toy sailboats. Wood bodies, strings, and masts!
Kel Kroydon brand guitars seem to appear at the same time period that Kel Kroyden Toys were introduced. The "Kel" lettering is horizontal on the headstock, while "Kroydon" is lettered vertically. Source: Walter Carter, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years of an American Icon.
Guitars previously produced in Kalamazoo, MI by Gibson during the early 1930s. See chapter on House Brands.

KEL KROYDON Acoustic Guitars Models

KEL KROYDON KK-1 Image

KEL KROYDON KK-1

- small L-0-sized body, round soundhole, body binding, swooping pointed headstock, available in Natural finish with floral pattern on the top, mfg. early 1930s.