Last week, whilst inspecting a home built in 1925, and never yet sold but when new, having been in the same family since then, I was in the attic, when--behind the asbestos-wrapped boiler pipes I caught a glimpse that had me do a double take. The first take told my brain to pay attention, and the second one solidified it. I knew immediately what I had just found. So I reached over the boiler pipe into the eve of this massive three story home, and grabbed the handle of an all too familiar case.
I rushed down, out-of the attic, and on bended knee, I said to the owner of the home, "Please; I beg of you--sell me this. Name your price, and it will have a good home forever."
She said, "Oh goodness! Is that..? It is! That was Grandfather's! We have been looking for over 50 years for that! We thought it had been stolen or misplaced long ago! No; I think I'll give it to my grandson, who likes musical instruments." (Now, I should also point out that I also found a 1923 Buescher C-melody and a pre-1907 French Revalry Bugle, but it was this 1920s Martin that I had my heart set on. Her instant but soft rejection to purchase it crushed me like being shot down from asking a cute gal to the Prom.
Looking to have been in her mid 70s, I am assuming her grandson is likely in his late teens or twenties, but by gum--I will bet he has to gewgel it to even know what he now has.
Ladies and gents--it was nigh perfect. Not a scratch or a dent. I'd have gone to $1500.00, and then I'd have had to back off, and yes--I know it is worth well more, but I will bet dollars to doughnuts she would have let it go for far less, if she hadn't been so set on keeping it. So it goes...
