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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Xavier on September 07, 2012, 01:24:00 PM

Title: 1968 Tamerlane
Post by: Xavier on September 07, 2012, 01:24:00 PM

What is the difference between these Tamerlanes?

1. 8C514 - AMO 66 - 33# - Tamerlane decal AND HC-300 decal
2. 8E56 - 69" - 33# - Tamerlane decal only
3. 8B669 - 69" - 32# - Tamerlane decal AND HC-300 decal

Why do some have 'HC-300' decal?
I may have just answered my own question, seeing a photo of catalog from 1968.

It appears the HC-300 was a more expensive version (with sliding sight) of basic Tamerlane that had site window plate, without the sliding sight. Is this correct?
And the HC-300 had black (phenolic?) riser - made of???
Whereas basic Tamerlane had wood riser.

Title: Re: 1968 Tamerlane
Post by: Pack animal on September 07, 2012, 05:21:00 PM

Hello Xavier
I believe one sentence from the 1968 catalog also answers your question:  "Tamerlane embodies the same  elegant appearance as the great HC-300"  
This implies to me Bear considered the HC-300 Tamerlane to be the Cadillac and the Tamerlane to be a Buick.

Title: Re: 1968 Tamerlane
Post by: Xavier on September 07, 2012, 07:03:00 PM

haha thanks.

Title: Re: 1968 Tamerlane
Post by: Horney Toad on September 07, 2012, 08:03:00 PM

According to the catalog, the Tamerlane was bubinga and rosewood, and a lady tamerlane version made of maple. The HC-300 was rosewood and high compression (phenolic) material. the Tamerlane was $135, and the HC-300 was $235. The Tamerlane did have the sight as an option.

Title: Re: 1968 Tamerlane
Post by: Xavier on September 08, 2012, 01:13:00 AM

Makes sense about the option, hence the removable side plate. Hey, the catalog I saw had 175 for hc300.? If I recall.