1954 Fender Stratocaster

A couple years ago I spotted an insane piece of wood from across the room at the Dallas guitar show.
Wasn't sure what to make of it as the finish (on the body) was pretty meh but good lord I had not seen many Strats with wood like this. Intrigued I asked the gentlemen selling it give me some info, he did, I asked if the original case was there and it was. Hmmm. The next logical step was to ask permission to take the guitar to my booth and turn some screws... 
To my very pleasant surprise I uncovered a very early 1954 Fender Stratocaster that was completely there parts-wise. 6/54 (body & neck) pre worm route, killer! This examples holds many of what we call "pre production" features. 
All of the bakelite parts are legit and accounted for, pat pend saddles, no line tuners, switch, pots (which are solid shaft) and dated 41st week of 1953, ABS 8 hole pick guard with a matte back, trem cover with round string holes, everything is accounted for! 
The black bottom pickups sound great and maintain their original windings. They read 5.35 N - 6.0 M & 5.45 in the B respectively. The neck is full and inviting measuring .89 @ 1st and .99 @ 12th, we had the instrument freshly refretted at the time of the "corrective" body refin by Joe Riggio within the last 12 months. The guitar weighs 7.9 lbs and has a really expressive character, sonically it is a tremendous example.
This is without a doubt the prettiest piece of figured Ash I've seen on a Strat. Sans Ash, Sassafrass, whatever; it's gorgeous and now back to looking perfect!