Martin 2-27 1882 - Natural

This is a late 19th century Martin #2-27, it predates Martin's serial numbers (they began using serial numbers in 1898. I was told by the previous owner that it dates to 1882, but I have no way to verify.) It has Brazilian rosewood back and sides, a mahogany neck and spruce top. The binding is colored fruitwood and the sound hole had a pearl rosette. It is a twelve-fret slot top with the original engraved tuners. The fretboard is ebony and the frets in good shape withno fret markers. It has an ebony pyramid bridge with pins. This was a better-quality instrument for its time, using the current Martin system it would be a 27.

There is a "CF Martin New York" stamped on the head block, where a serial number would be on a modern guitar and a feint stamp on the spine just under the soundhole that reads "CF Martin, New York" Martin continued the New York location even after they moved to Pennsylvania, where this guitar was made. There are no external markings on the instrument.

The #2 was the second largest guitar Martin made at the time, predates electricity and is completely handmade.

I’ve owned it for only a short time, but the previous owner had it for > 30 years. His description of the condition:

“The spruce top shows a lot of wear, it was in that condition when bought over 30 years ago, and the only repair needed or made in these 30 years was when the headstock finger joint failed, it was repaired by a Martin authorized luthier and has held tight for over thirty years. The action is excellent, the frets are original with no visible wear and it is currently strung with Nylgut®  strings. It has a strong bass and nicely balanced treble and is deceptively loud for its size.”

There is wear (as would be expected in a nearly 150 year old instrument) but no cracks. The guitar is entirely solid and intract.

Statistics:

Total Length - 37 1/2 inches

Body, Width at Lower bout - 12 inches

Body, Width at Upper bout - 8 1/2 inches

Body, Depth at Strap Pin - 4 Inches

Body, Depth at Neck - 3 1/4 Inches

String Length, Nut to Bridge - 24 1/2

Width of Nut - 1 3/4 

Weight - 2 pounds and 2 ounces

The hard shell case is not original but probably from the 1920s. It’s been kept with a humidifier, and down tuned when not being used.