Name/Title
Martin GuitarEntry/Object ID
2009.0102.0003Description
Guitar wooden case, 40" long made by C.F. Martin, N.Y. Currently has 3 gut and 3 wire strings. One wire string worn and two of six pegs that hold strings at bottom end are wood replacements. History and age of guitar not known but predates death of donor in 1990. Found in the archives "Lay Family Personal and Family Papers" 2006.0396 box's folder "Margaret Lay's Family Record" a diary of Arabella Lucy Hunter that in 1865 she commenced guitar lessons and she went to "Music Vale Seminary." It seems probable that this guitar belonged to her and dates to the 1860's. Guitar intact, appears usable. Case intact, surface wear.
According to family Music Vale Seminary was located in Connecticut, not New York as stated in Arabella Hunter's obituary.
The C.F. Martin guitar company was founded by Christian Frederick Martin in 1833. Six generations of the Martin family have run the company and it still is in business today. This guitar is a Martin size-1 body style and predates Martin’s model standardization or serial number program. It has a solid spruce top, and a rosewood back and sides with an ebony fingerboard, bridge and bridge pins. The tuning buttons are ivory.
The wooden case is called a “coffin case” and usually has a unique lining with a zig zag rosette pattern in brown, ivory, purple, rust and mauve colors.Acquisition
Accession
2009.0102Source or Donor
Lay, MargaretAcquisition Method
GiftLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
GuitarNomenclature Primary Object Term
Instrument, StringedNomenclature Sub-Class
Musical InstrumentsNomenclature Class
Musical T&ENomenclature Category
Category 06: Tools & Equipment for CommunicationSearch Terms
Guitar, Musical T&E
