1865 William B Tilton parlor Very Good, Original Hard, $1,795.00
Here's a rare and cool old thing...probably mid/late 1860s, and one of the higher grade of Tilton guitars. This one has the top grain on the diagonal along with broad multi colored marquetry top purfling and rosette, maple bound top and back, brazilian rosewood back and sides. The neck is mahogany with rosewood veneer on the front and back of the headstock. The tuners are lovely silver plate with engraving, looking very much like the Seidel tuners that were used on high end Martins of the same era, bone buttons. The bar that runs from the neck block to the tail block bears the signature "William B Tilton" medallion. The medallion also bears the patent mark (for the bar) reading "Patented 1856) and distributor credit "Zogbaum and Fairchild, New York." The silver plated tailpiece is equally ornate, with floral/leaf engraving. The end of the headstock is impressed with the numbers "3 2906." All parts 100% original. It has had a few repairs over the years including a treble side crack that goes from near the neck to the waist, the crack is tight and stable though not absolutely perfect in alignment, alignment is adequate to hold the repair. When that repair was done it looks as if the finish might have been lightly touched up around the repair as well. In addition, at some point the bridge was slotted at the E, A and D strings. The top and back are crack free and the neck has no issues. The original finish is in very good condition and the guitar presents well cosmetically. The playability is very good, the guitar is strung with nylon strings and the action is low and easy. The frets are in good shape, intonation is good. The tone is typical of mid-19th century parlor guitars, sweet and satisfying, a pleasant departure from the din of the modern world. The original coffin case is in good shape as well, and is lined with the Boston Journal from June 26th, 1917...catch up on all the news from WWI between tunes. The case also has a label inside that is probably from the retailer who originally sold this guitar, WL Hayden of 120 Tremont St. Boston, who according to the label was a guitar teacher and agent for Tilton instruments. The case has one corner support that could be reglued but all of the latches, hinges and the handle are intact, original and working fine. This is a rare and playable piece of another era that you are sure to enjoy. Gbase users be sure to email me for more pics, gbase only allows me to post six but I have many more of this guitar that I can send. $1795
Kovacik Guitars and Fretted Instrument Repair
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Items are sold with a 48 hour approval period unless clearly marked "AS IS" in the listing. AS IS items are not returnable. If an item is going to be returned it is at the buyer's expense and the item must be shipped within 24 hours of the buyer notifying Kovacik Guitars of intent to return. Any returned items must be shipped in the original packaging and MUST be fully insured when returned. Once an item is returned to Kovacik Guitars and judged to be in the same condition as when originally sold a full refund will be issued.