How old is my Martin Guitar?

When was my Martin made?

Before serial numbers, different instruments were identified by the Martin-mark, which was stamped into the back of the headstock, the upper part of the back, or on the rear binding strut, visible through the sound hole (the reinforcing block between the 2 back pieces).

The original instruments had a paper label that read: “Martin and Coupa”. 
1833 to 1867 The brand read: “C.F. Martin New York”.
1867 to 1898 The brand read: “C.F. Martin & Co. New York”.
1898 onward The brand reads: “C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, Pa.”
1888 to 1898 Paper label includes: “Charles A. Zoebisch & Sons” (Zoebisch was the sole distributor of Martin at the time).
1898 Serial numbers begin at #8000
1929 Model numbers were marked on the neck block, inside the body.

Some, actually from my experience, quite a lot of the pre-1898 guitars have the date penciled on the top just inside the sound hole. Before 1929, the model size and style designation was generally written on a paper label and glued inside the top of the instrument case.

1895 - Mandolines werden geïntroduceerd

1915 - Ukuleles, taropatches, tiples en Hawaïaanse gitaren werden geïntroduceerd

1923  - Tenorbanjo's werden geïntroduceerd

Ukuleles did not carry serial numbers but can be roughly identified and dated by the headstock:

1895 to 1932    The Martin brand stamped on the back of the headstock. 
1930  Onward The Martin logo decal on the front of the headstock.   
1895 to 1934    Bar frets 
1934 Onward    Standard frets

​Martin started serializing with number 8001 simply because they accounted for some 8000 instruments built prior to 1898. This information was found in a very old book on Martin guitars.  

Martin started serializing with number 8001 simply because they accounted for some 8000 instruments built prior to 1898. This information was found in a very old book on Martin guitars.
Unlike some other manufacturers, using Martins serial numbers to date your instrument is accurate. The serial number can be found on the neck block. Look inside of the soundhole and towards the neck, the model number and serial number will be stamped on the mahogany block otherwise known as the neck block. The model number is on top, the serial number is below it. Also, when reading the chart below, remember...the number shown beside the year is the LAST number used for that year. So, for instance, if the serial number you are looking to date is number 9311, the instrument was made in 1902, as 9310 is the last serial number used in 1901

Martin Guitars Serial Numbers: