Dear music lovers,

C. F. Martin OM-18 (1931)

For sale is a C. F. Martin OM-18 flat-top acoustic guitar from 1931, made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania (USA). With serial number 46669, this instrument is one of the most sought-after models from the legendary pre-war era and is in an exceptionally original condition.

I purchased it from R&R Guitars in Savannah, GA, USA.

Technical Specifications

Year of manufacture: 1931

Serial Number: 46669

Model: OM-18

Top: Solid spruce

Back & Sides: Solid mahogany

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Finish: Natural varnish

Scale length: 641 mm (25 1/4")

Nut width: 44 mm (1 3/4")

Overall length: 101.6 cm

Body width (lower bout): 38.4 cm

Body depth: 10.5 cm

This OM-18 is, without exaggeration, one of the most authentic and best-preserved Martin OM guitars we have ever seen—a true time capsule with over 90 years of history.

Particularly noteworthy:

No cracks in the wood

Only a few small indentations and fine hairline cracks in the wafer-thin original finish

Slight, authentic signs of wear around the soundhole

Original bar frets

The bridge was apparently never removed from the top

For an extremely lightweight pre-war OM made of mahogany, this state of preservation is simply exceptional. Very few instruments from this era have survived the past nine decades in such pristine condition.

Sound

The OM-18 impresses with its remarkable responsiveness and exceptional tonal detail. It responds to even the lightest touch with remarkable dynamics and transparency. Every single note reveals its own character and fills the room with impressive clarity. It may not be among the loudest OM models—but it delights with a sensitivity, balance, and attention to detail found only in outstanding instruments from this era.

Conclusion

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most sought-after pre-war flat-top guitars in exceptional collector’s condition. An original pre-war Martin OM-18 with excellent playability, a captivating tone, and impressive authenticity—an instrument for discerning collectors, musicians, and investors. The instrument comes in a beautiful, vintage hard-shell case from that era.

You can hear a sound sample of this Martin in the attached YouTube video.

You can hear a sound sample of this Martin in the attached YouTube video.Video: file:///.file/id=6571367.35805192