Rare American Guitar, C.F. Martin & Company, Nazareth, 1909, Prototype Style 18

Description:

Rare American Guitar, C.F. Martin & Company, Nazareth, 1909, Prototype Style 18, stamped CF MARTIN & CO, NAZARETH PA on the center strip and on the back of the peghead, and CF MARTIN & CO, NAZARETH PA, 10936 at the upper block, length of back 17 5/8 in., width of lower bout 11 3/4 in., with case.
The original owner of this guitar was Alonzo Mitchell (1870-1925). His family lived in Pete's Corners, NY, north of Syracuse. He was a school teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, owner of the general store, a deacon in the church, and served a term as mayor of the village. At a younger age, he had entered a contest selling encyclopedias, hoping to win the first prize which was an upright piano. This Martin Guitar was second prize.

In 1909, Martin made three prototype guitars, listed in the ledger as model 2 1/2-17. One was mahogany and two were of maple, this one being listed in the company ledger as "burly maple".
Estimate $1,000-1,400

Face crack below bridge to bottom edge, above bridge approx 2 in. Original bridge cracked, ivory saddle pitching forward, bridge has been reglued. Surface scratches and abrasions.
Inside initialed by Frank Henry Martin, dated inside 7/23/09
Finish original except for bridge area.
Original frets, nut and saddle.

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