We used to have a nice little used/vintage shop , I was frequently in to look around . And one day , coming through the door , I spotted one in all it's glory . The store owner was watching . I walked up , and then walked back and gave it a long look before saying "those things do not disappoint" .
It was truly awful . The varnish had run streaks and drip marks , it was beyond primitive , and there was absolutely no doubt of it's origin .
Beyond all that it was truly hideous .
It sold within ten days .
I think it was priced at $400 . That's what new ones were at the time . A hundred dollars a string , and then extras ... varnish , truss rod , etc , etc .
It lived up to the reputation , and yet there was some weird appeal to the thing .
But I actually have seen and played one .