Lot #153: 1941 Martin C-1 Archtop (F-Hole Variant) – Serial #79451

Rare Prewar Martin • Original Pearl Headstock • Hand-Carved • Stable Vintage Repairs • Unconverted Survivor Offered here is a rare 1941 C.F. Martin C-1 F-hole archtop, one of the final carved-top instruments produced by Martin before archtop manufacturing ceased in 1942. With a hand-carved spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, vertical pearl “MARTIN” headstock inlay, and prewar Kluson tuners, this is a desirable late-prewar example with strong originality and excellent musical character. Most C-series archtops from this period were later converted into flattop guitars by mid-century jazz and folk luthiers — including prominent names such as John D’Angelico — due to the rising market value of flattops and Martin’s superior back-and-side materials. This instrument remains an unconverted, structurally original archtop, making it significantly more collectible today. Specifications • Model: Martin C-1 Archtop (F-Hole Variant) • Year: 1941 • Serial Number: 79451 • Top: Hand-carved spruce • Back & Sides: Solid mahogany • Neck: Mahogany with original pre-war profile • Fingerboard: Rosewood • Headstock: Vertical pearl “C F MARTIN” inlay • Hardware: Period-correct Kluson tuners, trapeze tailpiece • Bridge: Ebony adjustable archtop bridge • Finish: Natural nitrocellulose lacquer • Case: Modern hard case not included Condition This instrument is in good vintage condition, with stable historical repairs consistent with an 84-year-old prewar guitar: • Stable vintage side and back patch repair on bass-side lower bout • Localized back overspray/touch-up on lower bout • Older heel repair / reset, structurally sound • Binding checking typical of prewar celluloid • Clean carved top with no top sinkage • Tuners, tailpiece, and bridge are period-correct Appraisal company indicated no repairs required for this instrument. Playability is comfortable for a vintage archtop, and the neck angle is suitable for standard jazz and acoustic strings. Tone & Performance This C-1 produces a warm and articulate archtop voice with: • Strong midrange • Woody clarity • Smooth, even response • More sustain than typically found on maple-bodied archtops Ideal for chord-melody, swing, blues, and recording situations where a rich, mellow archtop tone is desired. Historical Significance • One of Martin’s final archtops prior to the 1942 shutdown of carved-top production • F-hole C-1s from this period were produced in very small numbers • This Guitar Avoided the top-collapse issues that affected some early Martin archtops • Survived the widespread trend of flattop conversions, which removed many C-1s from original circulation Prewar Martin archtops — especially original F-hole models — are now considered historically important as the company shifted permanently to flattops after WWII. Provenance Accompanied by a written appraisal from The Twelfth Fret, Toronto (October 2, 2025) Pickup category timeslot {A}