1942 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A transitional wartime D-18 — the bracing change from scalloped to non-scalloped was underway. Scalloped examples are significantly more valuable. Wartime restrictions limited production.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Mahogany (back and sides — transitional, scalloped to non-scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 180 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top.
What Changed in 1942
Wartime D-18 — transitional year as Martin shifted from scalloped to non-scalloped bracing. Some 1942 examples may have scalloped bracing, others non-scalloped. Verify individually. Wartime production declining.
Collector's Notes
Verify bracing type on 1942-1944 D-18s — scalloped examples command a 30-40% premium over non-scalloped. Use a mirror inside the soundhole to check. All other specs remain pre-war quality.
How to Authenticate a 1942 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
Martin serial numbers are the most reliable in the industry — verify the number stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) against Martin's published tables. For 1942, the number should fall within the documented range. Mahogany back and sides with spruce top. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. Mahogany (not rosewood) back and sides — verify correct wood species. Simpler appointments than D-28 (no herringbone). Pre-war scalloped bracing makes these highly sought-after. Check for neck resets, top cracks (especially near soundhole and bridge), and bridge plate condition. Tuners should be Grover Sta-Tite. Finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer with age-appropriate wear. Original case adds value.