1891 Martin 1-26 Very Good, Original Hard, $6,499.00

circa 1891 Martin 1-26 in very good condition. This came to us from the family of the original owner. It was purchased and traded in exchange for the original owner promising not to smoke or drink during his college career, handwritten note indicating this included. There are three neatly repaired top cracks and three hairline back cracks also neatly repaired. An astute guitar hunter will notice this guitar was listed at Mandolin Brothers some years ago. Unfortunately their description as to the condition was not accurate. The finish other than an area of wear on the top is the original shellac French polish. There is non overspray or lacquer on the guitar other than the small are around the soundhole. The bridge, tuners, nut, endpin, are original. The bridge pins are period correct but likely replaced. The original coffin case with serial number is in very good condition. One latch was poorly replaced so we made from scratch an exact replica of the original. The guitar includes photos of the original owner and the letter from his parents. The guitar is set-up with Aquilla Ambra strings. We tried real gut as it would have had in 1891 but found it sounded best with the Aquilla. It is a sweet warm sound with the signature Martin clarity that seems to come through in every instrument they made.