It always adds to the story of a particular instrument when the purchase documents are available. Here is another great example. Serial number 73316 was stamped on September 22, 1939 and cleared final inspection on December 4 that year. As can be seen from the documents below this guitar was sold by Wilson Music Co. […]
The guitar is certainly one of the most pristine 1940 D-28 guitars extant. This guitar is still in the family of the original owner. The serial number of the guitar is 76288. It was stamped on October 23, 1940 and cleared final inspection on March 25, 1941. The tuners are Grover G-111 machines. The owner […]
Serial number 57851 was stamped on October 3, 1934 and cleared final inspection on May 7, 1935 (quite a long time in production for the period). At least four of the twenty-five guitars from this batch had dark tops. It was shipped to Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. in St. Louis MO on April 29, 1935. Clearly, […]
Serial number 57921 was stamped on October 8, 1934 and cleared final inspection on Jun 26, 1935 (a long time in production for the period) There must have been a fall-off in demand for the 000-18 around that time. At least eleven of twenty-five guitars in this batch had dark tops. It was shipped […]
Serial number 62166 was stamped on January 28, 1936 and cleared final inspection on July 9 that year. The tuners are Grover G-98 pointed plate machines with seamed metal butterbean buttons. Style 28 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Herringbone Binding: Ivoroid Back Stripe: Zig-zag purfling pattern Other […]
Serial number 99606 was stamped on April 3, 1947 and cleared final inspection on July 30 that year. The tuners are Waverly 5038 machines with the distinctive “Yoda head” backing plates with rounded metal buttons. These machines were used by Martin from 1939 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1947. Style 28 features: Back […]
This particular guitar has a very interesting story as it has been in the same family since 1934. The guitar is a remarkable survivor and, based on the photographs supplied by the owner, is in original condition excepting some minor wear. Serial number 57801 comes from the first batch of D-28 guitars with a steel […]
Serial number 75042 was stamped on May 10, 1940 and cleared final inspection on September 6 that year. The tuners are Grover G-111 machines with un-seamed butterbean buttons. The guitar comes with what appears to be a style C case. Style 28 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Adirondack spruce Purfling: Herringbone Binding: Ivoroid […]
Serial number 64676 was stamped on October 21, 1936 and cleared final inspection on December 31 that year. The tuners are pointed plate G-98 machines with rounded metal buttons. Style 18 features: Back and sides: Mahogany Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Lines Binding: Black celluloid Backstripe: None Other period features: Advanced X-bracing (scalloped) Ebony fingerboard […]
Serial number 64556 was stamped on October 8, 1936 and cleared final inspection on December 11 that year. The tuners are Grover G-98 pointed plate machines with rounded metal button. This is one of those late 1936 Martin guitars with a darker than usual pick guard (please consider the photos were taken in strong sunlight). […]