1931 Rickenbacker A-22 "The Frying Pan"
The Rickenbacker "Frying Pan" was the first electric lap-steel guitar ever produced. This instrument is made of cast aluminum and features a pickup made of two horseshoe magnets. The frying pan was the brainchild of George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker who began selling them in 1932, despite not acquiring a patent until five years later. The guitar was manufactured for only seven years. This is only one of 50 known to be in existence.