Martin OM-18 1931

The OM model (first introduced in 1929) initially was designed as a customized 000 model with a shorter body and 14 fret neck (w/ solid peghead) as a solution for bandleader/banjoist Perry Bechtel's transition to guitar as the sun set on the Roaring Twenties.
This example dates from 1931 and features a large teardrop teardrop pickguard, and standard Grover guitar tuners. Belly bridge w/ small maple bridge plate (original pins and saddle). Mahogany neck w/ 25.4" scale, original bar frets; Martin script logo present on peghead overlay, Martin stamp on back of peghead. Neck was expertly reset at some point rendering only slight fall-off on fingerboard extension, original bridge present (was reworked at time of neck reset); shows some playing wear including surface scratching; a few grain related side cracks; finish checking throughout. Included in sale in original purple-lined early Harptone hardcase w/ double diamond logo on top of case-pocket, and "Bull's Head" logo (B&C) on back.