C. F. Martin Style 2K Model Soprano Ukulele, c. 1924, made in Nazareth, PA, natural varnish finish, Koa body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
A very striking-looking and fine-sounding Martin Style 2K ukulele from the mid-1920's, with lovely figured koa on the top and back. This uke is finished in the older early 20's style varnish but has the Grover "flanged barrel" friction pegs with grained ivoroid buttons introduced in 1923-24, so dates to right around that time. Triple celluloid bound top, single bound back, and six-ply soundhole ring. Bar frets, rosewood fingerboard with small dot inlay; ebony nut and saddle. The 2K listed at over $20.00 in the 1920's, which was quite expensive for a uke, and the model sold in much smaller quantities than the less expensive style 0's and 1's. Simply a very fine, unaltered example of Martin's midline koa ukulele, with the original hardshell case.
Overall length is 20 3/4 in. (52.7 cm.), 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 3/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/16 in. (36 mm.).
All original; some minor wear through the finish on the top in the most-strummed places and some dings and nicks, but overall very nice for this era. One grain crack on the back center and some small divots in the headstock top edge that look like a child (or pet!) may have teethed on it briefly! This is a superlative-sounding koa wood uke from Martin's best era. Overall Excellent Condition.
