Martin 2 1/2 - 28 1860 - 1870 Aged Natural Satin

This is a very rare New York Martin 2 1/2 - 28 guitar that is estimated to be from 1860. I found it on ebay about 12 years ago and bought it as a "project" with the intention to restore it as close to original as possible. I even used the original mother-of-pearl inlay around the rosette.

• The top was beyond repair (original top is pictured here) so it had to be replaced.
• I removed the original bridge, braces, inlays and ivory bindings (not plastic!) and reinstalled them on the new stika spruce top. The ivory nut and saddle are original.
• There was a gaping hole in the lower bout so I inlaid a piece of Brazilian rosewood to match the original as closely as possible.  
• Grover open butterbean tuners were added to the peghead.
  
• There are three CF Martin stamps: one on the neck block (hard to photograph), one on the back near the heel, and one inside on the center stripe.
  
• The ebony pyramid bridge and mother-of-pearl bridge pins are original
• The finish is the original French polish

It plays very well with a warm sound and is in amazing condition considering its age. Even though it probably belongs in a museum, this guitar would be an excellent addition to a private collection.