1941 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
The final years of peak pre-war D-28 production. WWII is on the horizon — these are among the last instruments built with no wartime compromises. Exceptional instruments in all respects.
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), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — last years of herringbone trim before wartime changes) |
| 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 | 272 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1941
Final years of the peak pre-war herringbone D-28. WWII material restrictions were beginning to affect guitar production. These are the last true golden-era herringbone D-28s before the war changed everything.
Collector's Notes
1941-1942 models should still have scalloped bracing and herringbone purfling. Some very late wartime models may show early compromises. Verify bracing configuration inside.
How to Authenticate a 1941 C.F. Martin & Co. D-28
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 1941, the number should fall within the documented range. The back and sides should be Brazilian rosewood — this is the single most important factor in valuation. Brazilian rosewood has distinctive grain variation (chocolate to violet-brown) and a sweet smell. Indian rosewood (post-1969) is more uniform and darker. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. Herringbone purfling is a defining feature of pre-1947 D-28s — verify it's original. Check bridge for original belly-style construction. Martin stamps the model number inside — verify with a mirror. 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.