Martin O18 model 1926

by Paul
(Melbourne, Australia)

Hi

I have recently bought an old Martin 3/4 size acoustic guitar and wondered if you would be able to help my identify and value it? From the serial Number I believe it is dated 1926, but I'm not sure of its authenticity exactly as I'm not an expert. I have included the specs and serial number and some pictures.

The serial number is stamped on the heel block "28113". there is no model number.

The stamping on the back of the head stock reads "Made In USA" above the Martin name stamp, which I am told indicates that the guitar was made for export to Canada or Hawaii.

I have this email from Martin Guitars:-

"serial number 28113 is assigned to a Martin O18 model that was made on December 3, 1926. This model has the following Specs.

Top: Adirondack Spruce
Back/Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Fret Markers: Dots
Bridge: Ebony Pyramid
Rosette: Purfling lines"

many thanks

Paul

ANSWER

Hi, Paul--

The serial number DOES indicate 1926 manufacture date.

The pictures are too small to see the details well. The description of the O 18 in the Blue Book matches the info provided by the Martin company:

"0-18
- concert body style, solid spruce top, Brazilian rosewood (1898-1917) or mahogany (1918-1993) back and sides, round soundhole with various rosette configurations (colored-wood rope pattern between 1898 and 1902, white lines grouped 1/9/1 between 1902 and the mid-1930s, white inlaid lines grouped 1/9/1 between the mid-1930s and 1988, and 5/9/5 grouping between 1988 and 1993), five-ply top binding with rosewood (1898-1932), black (1932-1936, 1966-1993) or tortoise (1936-1966) outer layer, cedar (1898-1916) or mahogany (1916-1993) neck, 12/19-fret (1898-1934) or 14/20-fret (1934-1993) ebony fingerboard with no inlays (1898-1902) or pearl dot inlays (1902-1993), slotted (1898-1934) or solid (1934-1993) headstock, three-per-side open-style brass tuners with ivory buttons (1898-1934) or regular tuners (1934-1993), pyramid ebony bridge with black pearl dot pins, available in Natural finish, available as a Special Order, mfg. 1898-1993."

So it would appear that your guitar is indeed a 1926 0-18.

Here is the pricing info:

1924-1939 Steel Bracing
Excellent $3,750 - 4,500
Average $2,750 - 3,250

Lynne