Wm. B. Tilton Parlor Guitar, c. 1860's, made in New York, NY, natural varnish finish, brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black coffin case.
Overall length is 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm.), 12 1/8 in. (30.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 5/8 in. (625 mm.). Width of nut is 1 15/16 in. (49 mm.). A fairly rare example of a higher grade Tilton, this guitar will require restoration to be playable and is currently sold in as/is condition. There are multiple grain cracks in the unusual diagonal-grain top and the neck is underset, it would benefit from a reset. The fingerboard appears to have been replaced long ago with an arched board; the bridge has been re-worked with small added side pieces (one of which is missing, but the glue mark remains). The original internal strut and decorative plate in the soundhole ("Tilton's Improvements") are intact. A small area of the binding is missing on the back, and there are open seams around the edges. Tuners are original, tailpiece appears of 1920-30's vintage. This would be an interesting project for a hobbyist or professional luthier with an interest in 19th century American guitars. Includes the original coffin case, generally intact but the latches are not functional. Original Artifact. Unrestored Condition.
