Late for this July 4th Party....
In terms of iconic shape or model, I wouldn't argue with Fender's Strat in the hands of Buddy Holly or Jimi. but there'd be no Strat without Leo's Tele that preceded it.
But I'd posit that there'd have probably been no Fenders, Gibsons or any clones of them had it not been for the Rickenbacker 'Frying Pan' that spawned their development.
And there may not have even been that had it not been for the original Dobro that inspired it.
I voted for Rickenbacker, because they were the first American electric guitar that ignited the birth of everything that followed it.
And it's still true to it's American Roots. Ain't no Ricks made anywhere but in the USA.
Read the Rickenbacker History and perhaps you'll agree?