Antique Dulcimers

$300 for one. $500 for both. FRED MARTIN VTG APPALACHIAN (NORTH CAROLINA) ANTIQUE CHESTNUT WOOD MOUNTAIN DULCIMER   Fred M. Martin (1915-1990) was a member of the famous North Carolina Martin family, renowned woodcarvers and makers of handcrafted Appalachian musical instruments. According to the Swannanoa Museum and History Center, the Martin family contributed not only to arts, crafts, and music in the Swannanoa Valley, but in western North Carolina and beyond. Each of their woodcarvings, fiddle melodies, and hand-crafted instruments are fine examples of the Southern Appalachian style. Their history also mingles with Native American history, as their ancestor, John Martin, was ethnically Cherokee. John’s name was either Tsu-ni-tlu-ltu or Ton-tsu, but little else is known about his life due to a lack of clear records. He was possibly born in present-day Walker County, Georgia around 1740 or 1750 and married a Scots-Irish woman whose name remains unknown. Some of the traditional crafts and music the Martin family was known for likely have roots in both the Scottish Highlands and the Cherokee regions of the southeastern United States.

The hand-made mountain dulcimers offered here is a wonderful example of Appalachian folk art and a beautiful example of Fred’s skill as a carver. The four-string dulcimer is hand-carved out of antique chestnut wood. The head of the dulcimers have been hand-carved into a man’s head. A paper label affixed inside the body of the dulcimer reads, “HANDCRAFTED DULCIMER. MADE BY FRAD M MARTIN. SWANNAES NC. MADE OF ANTIQUE CHESTNUT.” The dulcimers measure 42.5” long, 6.75” wide at its belly, with a 2” deep body. The fretboard measures 1.5” wide and includes 17 frets. The instruments will need to be restrung with new strings. The dulcimer is in very good original condition with wear, scratches, and beautifully rich patina appropriate for its age. This is a gorgeous vintage instrument that would make a wonderful addition to any folk art or musician’s collection.