Just a follow up to TAR_HEEL's lead. This was a surprise (but unfortunately not what I happend to be looking for.) His friend has an immaculate and very small bodied rosewood Martin made sometime between 1830s and 1840, pyramid bridge, gut/nylon strings, 12 fret with slotted headstock. It may very well have been made by CF Martin himself (or on his watch.) A very historically important piece, one that an ardent collector or a museum would salivate over acquiring.

Still looking specifically for I described in the first post here. ...but thanks to T.H. for bringing this fascinating piece to my attention.