Hi, check out this an old Cigar Box instrument from 1899 that was just found. It is signed on the side "Howard Bristol Made in America 1899", The tax stamp is from Sept 1880 with the name of the cigars - Concha Regalia
I will post more photos and info at http://www.homemade-guitars.com/
when you have some time come check out the history website of cigar box and homemade guitars
Replies
I think I would rather have my Grandads. Maybe not as old but ???
If that's really from your family's history that is sweet a F&*^%!!!!!!
If my house caught on fire, once the family was out the window that would be the first thing I carry out on my back!
Juice, I am 77 now and I remember my Grandad Gillespie working on this about the time I was
in late elementary school. After my mothers death I kept it. I am going to get a bridge and some strings so
it will at least be complete.
B-
Its back on ebay and started at .99 cents!...it was listed for 850 bucks, but had no bids, maybe someone can win it now
whooa! now he relisted it at 1150 bucks!
I think this seller cant make up his mind, this is the third time he has relisted it all for different prices, this last time is way high!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cigar-Box-Violin-1899-Signed-by-maker-Howar...
Dropped it to $950 now.
The problem with old stuff is that age and value aren't always linked. I'm surprised by how cheaply you can pick up antique furniture, which is often way better built than a lot of modern stuff. Old stuff is only worth anything if lots of people want it and it's scarce.
I don't know how much someone will pay for an old piece of musical folk art - looks like the seller isn't sure either.
Nice find
I'd like to look at a few of those up close. I know there must be some creative solutions to all of the problems I have just looked up on sites like this.
Very nice,what a treasure.