First Year For Tortoise Shell PG On Strat?

[Ace139]

Looking for some help on this. Can't find the info. Checked all my Fender Books and the net.

Does anybody know the first year the tortoise shell gaurd was offered on the strat?

I have a '56 Cruz Masterbuilt in white blonde over Ash. Thinking about putting a tortoise gaurd on it and one of the things I'm wondering about is if would be historically accurate? Not a deal breaker if it's not but just curious.

Also anybody know who makes the best RI gaurds?

Thanks appreciate the help!

 

[Formvar]

This is from AR Duchossoir`s Stratocaster book: Beginning in 1962 a few Stratocasters were also fitted with a 4-ply pickguard simulating "tortoise shell". like those found on the Jazzmaster and Precision Bass.
I`m not an "expert", but would think that they could have made tortoise pickguards for Strats earlier than '62. If the factory had the tortoise pickguard material in house, then a Strat guard could have easily been cut.
There is a tortoise guard 59 Strat currently for sale on the internet.
Hope this helps...

 

[Ace139]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it, looks like they did not put them on maple board '50's.