I think the Martin Guitar enthusiasts have already worked through the subject, finding the guitar being offered for sale dates to 1856, not 1835. Martin started making guitars in 1833, and was using a different style by 1856. look at the entry at the bottom of the page at _http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/topic/124871_ (http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/topic/124871) Dunno who "Robert" is, but others seem to defer to his wisdom in old Martin guitars. Bob Stewart Carson City