Some interesting reading and historical perspective about the intended purpose for this unusual instrument.
Here is the announcement in the September 27, 1924 issue of Music Trade Review about the new Gibson Tenor-Lute. According to this article it was designed as a doubling instrument for tenor banjo players that wanted a more guitar-like sound. As expected, the design is attributed to our friend Lloyd Loar.
https://mtr.arcade-museum.com/MTR-19...4-79-13-51.pdf
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