Romantic Guitar, labeled Stradivarius, c. 1820, possibly German, natural varnish finish, spruce top, flamed maple back and sides.
This well-made Romantic guitar has several interesting features. The label reads "Antonius Stradivarius, Cremonen?s, fa??ehat anno 1780". This date is not only earlier than the guitar, but considerably later than Stradivarius' death in 1737.
The instrument is similar in pattern to guitars from the early-mid nineteenth century, although the body shape is vaguely reminiscent of the few known authentic "Strad" guitars.
Figure eight headstock with ebony friction tuning pegs. Appears to be ebony fingerboard with bone frets to the ninth fret, wood thereafter. Spruce top extends to ninth fret and is bordered with herringbone purfling, as is the soundhole. Mustache pin bridge with floral design extensions. Flamed natural maple back is single bound and has an ebony center strip and a bone pin at each end. Neck has "ice cream cone" heel and grafted headstock with volute.
Overall length is 35 1/4 in. (89.5 cm.), 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (610 mm.).
Very original condition for an instrument of this age, currently displayable but not set up to play. Average light play wear and some repairs; several long top cracks, lower treble side crack, pieces of two bone frets missing. One crack in headstock veneer (not through headstock).
Can be repaired to playable condition as desired. Original Artifact. Unrestored Condition.
