Posted 13 years ago
fossiled
(1 item)
Last week my brother called me to check up on an early Kiensle wall clock he'd seen at the local antique shop. While inspecting it, the store owner started strumming a guitar which because of it's rich sound I approached for a closer look. I had heard about, but had never seen a Martin..., he, had no idea whatsoever. He said it was given to him by a friend, he showed me a receipt of $21 he paid to have it restrung and tuned and that he had an offer of $50.00. In a kneejerk reaction I advised him of the fact that it is probably worth more than anything he has at the shop and not to leave it anywhere vulnerable etc. etc. Needless to say he is quite happy and promised not to sell it. Anyone can help with a date and value estimate? We live in Puerto Rico and there is no market for it here.
If you can get me the serial number, I can find out what it's worth. I couldn't tell by the picture. The serial number will allow me to find out the model and year made.
Also, if you had a good picture of the back where the neck of the guitar is attached to the body---that is very important to determine the value.
--Gator
Thanks Mr. Gator!! It's a model D-18 Serial 148406. I added a foto of the back but it might not be as detailed as needed for close inspection. I will take another soon and one close-up of the bridge which seems to have either been replaced or reattached sometime. Like I said I was honest with the guy and told him not to sell it. Thanks again
This Martin guitar is made in 1920 from the serial number you listed and probable worth over 25,000.00. List it on Ebay with a starting bid of 0ver10,000.00
Well, I finally purchased the guitar. Now I would like some advice regarding restoration. It has a number of poorly applied varnish covers. Should it be restored or left as is? It sounds fine, but, will it sound better without the thick varnish?
Do NOT do anyting yet, like try to restore the varnish. The more original it is, the more valuable. If you really want to eventually sell it, contact a good, knowledgeable guitar tech (like bill@studioguitar.com) so he can look at the pics and evaluate what all is original. Then, you have a way to tell what you know when you sell it. Take detail, close-up pics of every part of the guitar, especially the inside with serial # and show all the "warts." Serious collectors couldn't care less about nicks, etc. They only care about the year, model, and the general shape. Someone paying $20,000 is not likely buying it to play out, but to collect and hold.
Thanks again Mr. Gator. Last week I took it to a man who makes Spanish style guitars here in Puerto Rico. First he tapped the sound box a few times in various places. He looked really puzzled and said, "you have a jewel here". Then strummed it, inspected it for cracks and wear and added that his $6,000 guitars sound nowhere as good. He said he could make it look like new but that although the sound might improve the value would not and to therefore leave it as is. He even said he felt honored to have held it. Guess you are right.