1897 Martin 0-42

[JonWint]

This 1895 0-28 has a "dark tint" top original finish. It's a natural, less refined (bleached) shellac color.

Looks like yours was finished with the same shellac supply.

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[WordMan]

So gorgeous and a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

[Manbelton]

Thanks! That does look to be the same color.

Originally Posted by JonWint

This 1895 0-28 has a "dark tint" top original finish. It's a natural, less refined (bleached) shellac color.

Looks like yours was finished with the same shellac supply.

[H165]

His photography is about as good as it gets.

LOL - nearly comical understatement, especially considering this forum, and his history.

[Jimmy Caldwell]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

I had absolutely no idea that Martin tinted some of their finishes prior to their introduction of shaded tops in the late twenties. Armed with that information, I take back what I wrote about the coloration of the 0-42 in question: it seems obvious now that the shellac or whatever finish was used was, in fact, tinted. Exposure to light over the years has undoubtedly darkened it somewhat, as well, but it started off with a subtle tinge of color to begin with.

Thanks for providing that link, Manbelton. I learned something new, which doesn’t occur all that frequently for me when the subject is old Martins.


Wade Hampton Miller

Wade,

They are fairly rare, but I've seen a couple and restored one bought from the "As-Is" inventory from Gruhn's a few years ago. It's an 1893 0-28.

A few pics:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1556905657

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1556905657

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1556905657

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1556905657

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1556905657

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1556905657

[Parlorman]

Here’s my 1893 0-28 in the usual finish for comparison. It’s obviously darkened with time but is still much lighter than the pumpkin stain.

[TJNies]

I have been seeing older Martins with the white (?) bridge. Are these painted, and why white?

[JonWint]

elephant ivory, optional on some styles, standard on others depending on year

[pukematrix]

Fantastic guitar and a fantastic-er story! Glad it stayed in the family. It truly is a stunner. I owned a 1907 0-18 (adi/braz) and had it restored by Dennis Berck. Like yours, meant for gut-strings, so settled on the Thomastik-Pearse strings as a compromise, given their low tension. Great strings. Wish I had that one back.

Austin

[Erithon]

Really cool project with a great story!

Originally Posted by Manbelton

Fuzzy picture is of the initials of Fred Martin and the date of production.

FYI: those are actually the initials of Frank Henry Martin. He signed many instruments from this period. Here's his initials on my 1898 Style 3 mandolin:

[Wade Hampton]

Jimmy, thanks for all that. That restored guitar looks great.

I've known about "pumpkin finish" or "pumpkin top" Gibson mandolins since I was in my twenties, but never realized that there were pumpkin finish Martins, as well.

Pumpkin top Gibson mandolin

Thanks again.


Wade Hampton Miller

[The Kid!]

Beautiful. Just don't let Kurt Russell near it.

[HeyMikey]

Ya done good. Your wife’s grandfather has to looking down with a great big old smile on his face. Now THAT is an heirloom guitar. Don’t let her go.

[Manbelton]

Originally Posted by Erithon

Really cool project with a great story!


FYI: those are actually the initials of Frank Henry Martin. He signed many instruments from this period. Here's his initials on my 1898 Style 3 mandolin:

Thank you! Yes, Frank H. Martin is correct.

[Fresh1985]

Wow! absolutely stunning. Something very very special about a martin rosewood 12fretter. Love the original coffin case too!