Why didn't Martin send along a babysitter to keep a close eye on the old guitar and if they did why not send a more competent one? They could have had the expense written into the loan contract.

Also, with all their skilled luthiers they could have manufactured a very near replica distressed to look like an antique instrument, sold it to the film maker, bought it back and ensconced it in a display case in their museum.

The mind boggles.