Martin guitars did not have serial numbers before 1898 but from about 1885 many guitars were dated in pencil (or crayon) under the top. This guitar is dated in 1892.

The 00-28 model was Martin's largest "professional" guitar at the time. This guitar originally had ivory friction pegs which have been replaced with moden machines. Many professional guitarists in the 1890s preferred friction pegs over machines. Gut strings were almost universally in use but were very inconsistent in quality and often broke. Friction pegs allowed a quick replacement of strings compared to tuning machines so it is little wonder guitarists preferred the friction pegs.

Style 28 features:

Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood

Top: Red spruce (probably West Virginian)

Purfling: Herringbone

Binding: Ivory

Backstripe: Fancy "arrowhead" purfling

Other period features:

Light X-bracing

Ebony fingerboard

Ebony pyramid bridge

Separate headstock glued to neck

"C. F. Martin" stamp on back of headstock