Pre Civil War Martin Guitar $6500

[Matt Steindl]

Made between 1839 and 1867, when the Martin factory was still in New York City, instead of their current location in Nazareth, PA
Letter from the Martin factory from years ago, giving hints as to when the guitar was made, which model it might have been.
About a year and a half ago, the guitar was restored by 2 well-known luthiers: the neck was reset, a new, handmade "pyramid bridge" (like the original one) was made and installed, a new nut and saddle were installed, minor repairs done, and the guitar was refinished.
The guitar can now be played with extra light steel strings.
The original "coffin" case, in which the hinges, clasps and handle are in good working order is included, along with all correspondence about the guitar that is available and on hand.The guitar is a very uncommon one, due to its excellent refinished condition and playability, and the original wooden case. Bill Dixon, author of "Guitar Collecting" (now in its 2nd printing) stated that," he has never seen a nicer one." It is unlikely that you will never see another one for sale. The back of the guitar is faced with beautifully figured and bookmatched Brazilian rosewood, cut before the Civil War, the tone is sweet and clear.

[Ben Elder]

Martin moved to Nazareth PA in 1839, so only 1833-1839 guitars were actually made in New York. They kept the "C.F. Martin New York" stamp because their distributors (different companies at different times) were there.

[Duane Reese]

Sounds like a candidate for the Antiques Road Show.

[Matt Steindl]

Its a pretty cool guitar! Went the ebay route(Historic Martin Parlor guitar) if ya want to check it out, as there were no takers here.