Fine Hall&Sons/James Ashborn Style 2 Parlor Guitar circa 1850. New Price.

  Stunning little civil war era guitar in fine playable condition. 

   This is a really wonderful rare and historical instrument. It is a fine "Hall & Sons" parlor guitar built around 1850 By James Ashborn.   Ashborn was evidently a fine machinist and opened his shop in Torrington connecticut in the mid-1830s. He was way ahead of his time in regard to manufacturing and design. (in 1844 he produced 144 guitars in one month, averaged 54, with a usually less than ten man shop.) The quality of his instruments was superb. He designed and manufactured his own tuners, "T" style fret wire, (Martin didn't use "T" wire until the 1930s) and unique fan braced body and neck construction Here is an interesting article on Ashborn:



This guitar is a Civil war era survivor in fine condition. Original French polish finish, parts, (a couple back braces were missing and have been professionally replaced. The guitar is quite sturdy, quite capable of being strung with light steel strings, it's currently strung with nylon, I prefer the sound. It has a modern fitted hard case.
This is a great playing and sounding guitar, intonation is spot on, beautiful sound and appearance, superior to my 1870s Martin 2-18, -it's not a wall hanger, it's very playable; it needs nothing.  This is a rare opportunity to own a 150+ year old piece of american musical and manufacturing history.  It's also a lovely parlor guitar to play in the morning with tea. thanks.