Arrowheads and Other Treasures
Backstripes, Side, and End Strips on C. F. Martin Guitars
1850's Martin Ivory Fingerboard Stauffer Headstock Guitar
1894 Martin 0-42
1885 Martin 0-34
1893 Martin 2-27
c.1870 Martin 2 1/2 - 26
c 1860 Martin 2-24
1907 Martin 0-30
1917 Martin 0-30
1897 Martin 1-21
1902 Martin 00-42S
c.1896 Martin 2 1/2 - 42
1922 Martin Wurlitzer 0-42 / 2092
1934 Martin 00-40H
1840's Martin and Coupa
1921 Martin Olcott-Bickford 0-44
c. 1855 Martin 2-23
c. 1855 Martin 2-23
c. 1860 Martin 2 1/2 - 22
1897 Martin 1-21
1916 Martin / Southern California Musical Instrument "Nunes" 1400
c.1860 Martin 2 1/2 - 20
1928 Martin 0-21
1870's Martin 2-27
c. 1870 Martin 1-28
1964 Martin 00-21NY
1965 Martin D-35
End Strips
c. 1860 Martin 2 1/2 - 22
c. 1855 Martin 2-23
1860 Martin 2.5-22
c 1860 Martin 2-24
Side Filets and Marquetry
Some of the very first Martin guitars, such as this Hudson Street example, exhibit the herringbobne marquetry that is still a hallmark of Martin guitars over 175 years later. This Hudson Street Martin has herringbone marquetry inlaid adjacent to the ivory side bindings as well as adjacent to the ivory border surrounding the ice cream cone heel with the clock key adjustment.
Hudson Street Martin, made by C. F. Martin Sr. c.1837.
The early style 23 and 24 Martin can be identified by the side filets, or light lines adjacent to the side border.
1850's Martin 2 - 24
The "Spanish" Martin is a distinct style with specific features, including a line though the middle of the sides.
1840's Spanish Style Martin and Coupa
On Martin labeled Spanish Style instruments, the side lines often took the form of arrowhead style marquetry. Note also the fancy marquetry on the sides adjacent to the font and back ivory bindings, each of which is comprised of half of an arrowhead design.
1840's Spanish Style Martin
And on some fancy early Martin guitars, such as this ivory fingerboard example, delicate marquetry was inlaid adjacent to the font and back ivory bindings only.
1850's Martin with ivory Fingerboard
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