1943 0-18? If it is indeed in "very good original condition", ie, - original finish intact, with perhaps a bit of playing wear
- no cracks in top or body (or cracks have been properly repaired)
- comfortably playable action (distance from strings to fingerboard) without buzzes.
...then Jeff's estimate is probably pretty close, but if you're looking for a quick sale, you may settle for a little less. One thing you should realize though is that since Martin guitars never until recently had adjustable truss rods in the neck, they at some point require a don't-try-this-at-home professional neck reset which MUST be done by a very skilled guitar repair professional. It costs a few hundred bucks and considering its effect on the value--both financial and musical--of the instrument is well worth it. Before you do anything rash, though, consider that that's a family heirloom of great intrinsic worth. If you have any family members who play (and are respectful of good instruments), why not offer it to them? It's a fine instrument but money-wise, you're not looking at a fortune here. Note that the correct designation is 0 (zero) even though we call them "oh-18" in common usage--searching for a zero 0-18 will get you results that letter O-18 won't (although they are often listed as letter-oh). Right now Mandolin Bros in New York has a 1936 0-18 which you should have a look at by comparison: see http://www.mandoweb.com/1_Acoustic.htm The 1936 is priced at only $3500 (prewar Martins are worth more than post-war; 1943 is transitional) as a "player" rather than "collector-grade" vintage instrument. Good luck and I hope this instrument finds a good home, or stays with you. W-O
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