19th Century Martin Parlor Guitar 2 1/2-17 American 'Un-Restored’

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About the Item

Christian Frederick Martin was born in 1796, and having immigrated to America, he set up shop in New York in 1833, and later in Nazareth, Pennsylvania as well. He would go on to manufacture the finest guitars in the world. This 19th century "Martin Parlor Guitar" is one of the earliest of guitars manufactured by Martin Company and is probably, their most popular model number; the 2 1/2-17 example. Unless you are a guitar collector and want to simply hang this on the wall as a museum item, this 150 year old guitar, in order to bring it back to "playing" condition requires serious restoration; a major project which should be relegated to a professional luthier. It is being sold "as is". On the plus side, this is a rare find---there are very few extant! It is an original Martin guitar and has the "C.F. Martin & Co. New York" stamped on the inside (upside down) where the neck meets the body. That would make the date circa 1870. There is a very faint indication of "Martin" ink stamp reverse top of upper body. The body back and sides are rosewood while the top is of Adirondack spruce wood. The worm driven tuners (lacking the bone pegs) are post 1860; possibly German. The wear in the center part of the ebonized neck reveals cedar construction, and the "ice cream cone" join to the body is typical of the 2/1/2 --17 model. An almost identical example appears on page 57 of "Martin Guitars" Volume 1 by Richard Johnston & Dick Boak in 2006. The original price, according to an 1874 Martin catalogue, was $36 (see page 22 of same book). The guitar was found in an attic at an estate sale in Portland, Oregon. This is an ambitious project and expenditure; not for everyone. Look at the images and contact me if you have any questions. If restored properly, it could have significant value. Condition and restoration needed: *2 cracks to the top ( 9" and 5 1/2") (see image) *1 crack underneath (8") (see image) *1 1/2" crack to underneath of open headstock (see image) 1/4" small surface crack to top of head stock on left side (middle tuning prg) *3" replace inlay on curved border of top edge of body (see image) *replace bridge (remove 6 string metal tail piece which was added later (see image) *could probably use some fret work (filing) they are pretty secure *possible interior restoration as needed *restring * french polish finish would be appropriate Guitar specifications: 12 frets (open neck) 18 in all 36" overall length 17 7/8" body length 8 1/4" body width (upper) 11 3/4" body width (lower) 3 1/4" body depth (upper) 4" body depth (lower) 1 3/4" - 2 1/4" (neck width) 1" neck (depth) 3 3/8" sound hole diameter.

Creator:
The Martin Guitar Company (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 36 in (91.44 cm)Width: 11.75 in (29.85 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Style:
Victorian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
North America
Period:
1870-1879
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1870
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
Incline Village, NV
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU973216733891

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