Ashborn No. 1 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. mid 19th century, made in Connecticut, natural varnish finish, ebony bridge, saddle, and fretboard, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, holly binding, mahogany neck, black original coffin case.
This is a truly classic six-string "Parlor Guitar". Original six on a side brass tuning machines with ebony buttons. Slotted headstock grafted on to neck with low profile volute. Brass frets with early "T"-style design. Mother of pearl dot inlays on bridge pins. Width at the nut is 1-3/4".
William Hall was a New York City instrument maker; in 1821 he joined with John Firth, to form Firth & Hall and with Sylvanus Pond in 1833 as Firth, Hall & Pond. In 1847 he left to form his own company Hall & Son which was sold to Oliver Ditson in 1875.
In the early years, Hall may have made flutes and other wind instruments, but most things bearing the various company names were made by others and labeled for them; Hall & Son owned a piano factory but there is no mention of stringed instrument making. Most authorities now believe the guitars and banjos were made by James Ashborn in Connecticut.
Overall length is 35.875 in. (91.1 cm.), 11.375 in. (28.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3.625 in. (9.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24. in. (610 mm.).
Very good condition considering the age of the instrument. Considerable finish wear to top and back of neck, some wear to fingerboard in lower positions. Bridge has been reglued and there is evidence of a tailpiece added at some time. Well-repaired cracks in top and side, now inconspicuous. A very fine playing example of a very early American guitar.
