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Martin's First Ukulele 1M from the 1910s - Three-Year Guarantee, Super Vintage Martin Soprano Style 1 with Case

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Description

This listing features Martin's first ukulele, a 1910s model. It is a Style 1 with three-layer wooden binding (see photo 6). The instrument is in very good condition, guaranteeing the best sound quality and volume. Notably, the top, sides, neck, and head have their original finish and show no cracks, though there are minor touch-up areas (see photos 1, 2, 3, and 8). The back has about three cracks that were repaired in the past, and it has been further serviced with natural nitrocellulose lacquer. Since it's hand-painted and polished, there may be a few brush marks or cloudiness, but natural luster will develop with use (see photos 7 and 9). Being able to hand-play a ukulele from the 1910s is almost miraculous. Similar models were available in Tokyo music stores for around 700,000 yen. Notable characteristics of the 1910s model include: 1. Fretboard markers at the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets. Dot markers were added in the 1920s. 2. From the 12th fret, the top has a wide projection, measuring 25mm from the 12th fret to the protruding edge, which enhances the top's strength and helps with higher pitch playing. It can actually produce notes at the 13th and 14th frets. 3. The bridge is box-shaped; from the 1920s, the bottom side begins to slant. 4. The saddle and nut are made from boxwood (a sturdy material similar to white boxwood); from the 1920s, they transitioned to ebony. Furthermore, it is evident that the neck and body were made from the same wood and that the craftsman completed the instrument from start to finish, with unique hand-carving remaining on the neck heel. At this time, Martin was gathering tropical woods, drying them for use. Even when defined as mahogany, there are various types of wood, and lighter pieces closer to the core were used, dyed amber. This wood appears to be tropical hardwood similar to that core. In Japan, all brown woods are considered mahogany, hence it's listed as 1M (Style 1 Mahogany). The fretboard is made of high-quality rosewood, with pre-war bar frets, both tuned for smooth playability. The original wooden pegs were replaced by genuine Martin pegs around the 1930s. The knobs are luxurious vintage pegs with ivory-like appearance. The negative screws controlling friction resistance function well for tuning. Two original Martin wooden pegs remain, which I will include as they may be useful for future restoration. I can also assist with restoration services if needed. Included with the ukulele is a sturdy, vintage 1980s Japanese box-shaped case that is safe for use. Careful packaging will be done, and I will ship via Yu-Pack (size 120) at my expense. A warranty card for three years of repairs from the auction date is included. Repairs, natural cracks, or lacquer aesthetic refinishing will be conducted free of charge, with only shipping costs to be covered by the buyer.

Martin's First Ukulele 1M from the 1910s - Three-Year Guarantee, Super Vintage Martin Soprano Style 1 with Case

Sold For

200,000 Yen ($1282.05)

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Ships from Japan

Win it and it arrives at our Tokyo warehouse. We combine your items into one international shipment, billed at actual carrier cost.

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2026-05-20 22:22:24 JST

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Collector Commentary

The 1910s Martin Soprano Style 1 Ukulele represents a significant era in instrument craftsmanship, showcasing high-quality tropical hardwood and intricate hand-carving techniques. Its excellent condition, with no cracks and only minor touch-ups, enhances its collectability, particularly given the rarity of pre-war models. In Japan, where vintage instruments are revered, similar pieces command prices around 700,000 yen, making this auction listing competitively positioned. Collectors value these pieces not only for their musical quality but also as historical artifacts that reflect a rich tradition in ukulele manufacturing.