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Harwood Flat Top ‘’Parlor’ model Acoustic Guitar, c. 1895-1905, made in Kansas City, serial # 23301, natural finish, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; poplar neck with ebony fingerboard, original black leather ‘saddle’ case.
"Harwood" has long been a mystery American brand name on the musical instrument landscape. In late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a trademark brand used by J.W. Jenkins Sons of Kansas City. This guitar is marked "Harwood-New York" but no connection to an actual New York origin is evident.
Harwood instruments that survive are very well made of top quality materials, and were expensive when new.
The woods on this high quality ‘Parlor’ model instrument are high-grade throughout and the workmanship is excellent. Like most ‘Harwood’ models this guitar is built with beautiful even-grained Brazilian rosewood on the back and sides and a very tight-grain spruce top (described in Jenkins catalogues as "Norway Spruce"). The top is ladder braced in "the Harwood System" and has survived 100+ years with no bellying at all. The top is edged with multi-layered celluloid binding and fancy wood marquetry and purfling strips, the pattern repeated around the sound hole and back strip.
The poplar neck has a thick ebony fingerboard inlaid with shaped pearl markers. The single-plate tuners on the slotted headstock are the same fancy Waverly keys used by Martin, National and others.
As a playing instrument this instrument has a lovely and surprisingly powerful sound suitable for solo or ensemble context, with the tone surprisingly even with the installed silk & steel strings.
This excellent playing small-body guitar, and has been sympathetically restored and presents with some old repairs, which have been professionally cleated internally and well sealed.
The neck may have been reset long ago, but if so it is a very neat job.. A recent refret and new hand made bone nut makes this lovely little guitar play beautifully with silk & steel strings, and would be adaptable to very light steel or nylon/gut as desired.
Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. We can provide additional photos on request.
The original black leather case is present, which requires some restoration. A extremely rare piece !A very rare survivor from a seemingly long-lost era in overall excellent condition for an instrument well over 120 years old. Highly desirable to Collectors, Investors and Discerning Players, significantly appreciating in value due to the very limited numbers surviving and coming onto the vintage market place.
Not only a very rare, beautiful, and well made, instrument but a very sound investment piece
Delivery Conditions: This item will be carefully packed before being despatched using the best couriers and shall be fully insured by a separate dedicated transit insurance policy for the purchase amount. Please contact us for specific courier / insurance rates to your destination. No Returns
CCG T&C's apply at all times. See shop policies.
