Martin Value Guide · October 2026
Early Martin Guitar Value Guide: Before 1920
Early Martin values depend on body size, style, wood and condition. These ranges cover selected original Martin guitars made before 1920, from small parlor models to early 0 and 00 sizes.
Original Martin guitars made through 1919. The listed periods apply only to the early instruments shown below. Compare The Authentication Guide.
Pre-1920 Value Ranges
Approximate retail values in U.S. dollars, as of October 2026, for pre-1920 guitars in excellent original condition.
| Model And Period | Estimated Retail Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1856 To 1914 2 1/2-17 | $2,720 to $3,740 |
| 1865 To 1917 2 1/2-18, Brazilian Rosewood | $2,720 to $3,740 |
| 1918 To 1919 2 1/2-18, Mahogany | $2,380 to $3,060 |
| 1880s To 1919 2 1/2-21 | $3,060 to $4,420 |
| 1855 To 1897 2-20 | $3,400 to $4,250 |
| 1857 To 1898 2-24 | $4,760 to $5,950 |
| 1857 To 1907 2-27 | $5,440 to $6,800 |
| 1906 To 1917 1-17 | $2,720 to $3,400 |
| 1899 To 1917 1-18, Brazilian Rosewood | $3,400 to $4,420 |
| 1918 To 1919 1-18, Mahogany | $2,380 to $3,060 |
| 1860s To 1919 1-21 | $4,420 to $5,780 |
| 1880s To 1919 1-28 | $6,800 to $8,500 |
| 1906 To 1917 0-17 | $2,380 to $3,060 |
| 1898 To 1917 0-18, Brazilian Rosewood | $3,740 to $4,760 |
| 1918 To 1919 0-18, Mahogany | $3,060 to $3,740 |
| 1850 To 1859 0-20 | $4,420 to $5,780 |
| 1898 To 1919 0-21 | $6,120 to $7,820 |
| 1898 To 1919 0-28 | $7,140 to $10,200 |
| 1906 To 1917 00-17 | $3,060 to $3,740 |
| 1898 To 1917 00-18, Brazilian Rosewood | $5,100 to $6,460 |
| 1918 To 1919 00-18, Mahogany | $5,100 to $6,460 |
| 1898 To 1919 00-21 | $6,460 to $8,160 |
| 1880s To 1919 00-28 | $10,200 to $12,580 |
| Other Pre-1920 Styles, Pearl Models And Unusual Variants | Individual Appraisal |
Ranges assume excellent original condition. Dealer purchase offers and consignment proceeds differ from retail value.
Condition And Originality
Confirm the body size, style, wood and production period before selecting a range. Original finish, top, bridge, tuners and surviving case affect value. Neck angle, repaired cracks and structural damage also matter. Many early Martins were built for gut strings; altered bracing or damage from excessive string tension requires separate assessment. Replacement tops, extensive refinishing and rare pearl-trimmed styles need individual appraisal.
For the broader comparison, read how repairs and changed parts affect guitar value. If the finish has been changed, the refinish value guide explains full and partial work and why an acoustic needs its own assessment.
Your Martin's Model, Year And Condition
Get A Value For Your Martin
Send photos of the instrument and any repair records for an assessment of your guitar. You can read about Joe Dampt and the instruments he buys before getting in touch.
Photo Credits
Photographs from Joe's Vintage Guitars. Comparison photographs are labeled and do not depict the exact model being valued.