1850 Tilton Parlor Fair, Original Hard, $995.00

Sigh. Another Tilton; how did I ever end up with two of them? This one, however, is quite complete. Or almost, other than two of the tuning machine buttons and the heel cap. It’s got the famous “Tilton’s Improvement” installed, along with the silver-plated disc in the soundhole with “Patented March 4, 1856”; it’s got Tilton’s famous diagonal top grain and matching diagonal top bracing; it’s got gorgeous Brazilian rosewood back and sides, though there are admittedly some fairly serious side cracks; no top cracks, one teeniest back crack, you’ll have a hair time finding it; still has its beautiful original tuning machines, same kind seen on many 19th-century Martins, with genuine ivory buttons (well, four of them anyway); got the original bridge; tailpiece a replacement. Bring Ol’ Bill Tilton back to life after a 160-year sleep (at least forty of ‘em here). Comes with its original form-fitted wood “coffin” case (though I hate that term, but you know what it is). Ancient break in heel, neck quite straight, action definitely on the high side, will leave it up to you to decide what to do about it. Offered as is at $995 w/ohsc