I was the only bidder on a vintage Martin 2 last night. I think it looks like a really good example, but would like the opinions of those of you who know vintage ukes. Unless I'm mistaken, and with the with the resources I could find online, it appears to be Pre-'32 because it has no logo on the front of the headstock. Even if it had at one point and it was removed (unlikely), it would at least be Pre-'34 since it has bar frets.
Below is the write up from the auction.
"Offered for your consideration is this vintage Martin ukulele. We are not experts in the field, but we believe this to be from the 1920's or 30's era. I have not and will not clean it. I have just brushed some of the surface dust away. It seems to be made of mahogany with white celluloid bands on top and bottom. It looks to be all original. There are no cracks or splits in the wood. It does however have some minor scratches consistent with age. I do not have a case for this. A musician friend of mine played it for a short time and he said it sounds great for such a small instrument. It is stamped C. F. Martin in two places- one being at the top of the tuning keys and the other inside as you look in the sound hole. We are not sure what model number this is, but you collectors will know.
It is 20 3/4" long. It weighs 10.4 oz.
This would make a great addition to your vintage Martin collectibles."
There was only one question posted and answered, but in that reply, they mention receiving at least one other email regarding the bridge.
Q: Any cracks/splits/warping or joint separation? Is all the celluloid binding tight to the body?(no gaps?) Jun-05-14
A: Hello, Looked at the uke very closely. I see no cracks or separations. The neck loooks very flat and is not warped or twisted. The celulloid is tight to the body with no gaps. Another thing I should mention is, another Ebayer thinks that the bridge is not the original. Thank you for your interest. Dale
It has some scratches and fretboard wear which are non issues for me considering the age. I can always have a period correct bridge installed later whether it be an original that's salvaged, or a new one made from a template. It appears the bridge is the only issue this thing has. And if it was installed properly and works as it should, it's not much of an issue.
Here are some pics…
Below is the write up from the auction.
"Offered for your consideration is this vintage Martin ukulele. We are not experts in the field, but we believe this to be from the 1920's or 30's era. I have not and will not clean it. I have just brushed some of the surface dust away. It seems to be made of mahogany with white celluloid bands on top and bottom. It looks to be all original. There are no cracks or splits in the wood. It does however have some minor scratches consistent with age. I do not have a case for this. A musician friend of mine played it for a short time and he said it sounds great for such a small instrument. It is stamped C. F. Martin in two places- one being at the top of the tuning keys and the other inside as you look in the sound hole. We are not sure what model number this is, but you collectors will know.
It is 20 3/4" long. It weighs 10.4 oz.
This would make a great addition to your vintage Martin collectibles."
There was only one question posted and answered, but in that reply, they mention receiving at least one other email regarding the bridge.
Q: Any cracks/splits/warping or joint separation? Is all the celluloid binding tight to the body?(no gaps?) Jun-05-14
A: Hello, Looked at the uke very closely. I see no cracks or separations. The neck loooks very flat and is not warped or twisted. The celulloid is tight to the body with no gaps. Another thing I should mention is, another Ebayer thinks that the bridge is not the original. Thank you for your interest. Dale
It has some scratches and fretboard wear which are non issues for me considering the age. I can always have a period correct bridge installed later whether it be an original that's salvaged, or a new one made from a template. It appears the bridge is the only issue this thing has. And if it was installed properly and works as it should, it's not much of an issue.
Here are some pics…
