An instrument that needs no introduction - we welcome this Pre War Martin D-18. Sonically breath taking, it has the opened up voice that's only found from this era with characteristically played and opened Martins have. Warmth, with deep definition - volume with balanced sonic bandwidth - this is the type of guitar to please every one who plays it. The year was 1941, with war on the American horizon by the end of the year, the company was growing - at that time only with 26 employees in January. According to Martin records, construction on this D-18 began on July 15, 1941, and it was completed on September 8, 1941. This example likely has a storied past, including its shade top appearance, and its repair work - all of which adding to the allure of this particular example. With an original price tag of $75, it's the sound and the stories of these famed instruments which have made them collectable. Well repaired - Standard sitka spruce top, this has an interesting burst finish to it - one that likely occurred during its restoration process. Two plugged holes south east of the pick guard. Internally, it has the original rear shifted thin scalloped X bracing, which appears to have been reglued. A replaced thin maple bridge plate is present - all done very well. The top has some glue sealed cracks at the pick guard which are structurally sound. There are a few cracks that do not go through the top at the bass side waist. Four sealed holes are present near the rosette at the sound hole from its past pickup. Structurally sound, sealed cracks are present at the fingerboard extension into the rosette. Two cleats internally at the center seam crack. The back & sides have more significant repair work performed. On the back, a number of cleats have been professionally added to the cracks at either side of the waist as well as center of the back. The side has also had some repaired work, mainly an extensive repair at the treble side lower bout - internally with a series of wider, but thin cleats. The bridge has been replaced with a suitable ebony replacement, along with newer pins and a well made bone saddle. The top visually has a tint to it - with no specific history known, giving it a nice shade top-esque appearance. Scratches and mild surface wear is present. The back shows buckle rash as well as the now repaired cracks. There is evidence of a slight pressure crack at the neck block. Three small holes at its base from a past hanger tailpiece install. The neck is designed with a standard 25.4" scale length, joining the body at the 14th fret. The neck is nice and straight and plays easily with low action measuring about 6/64" in height on the sixth string at the twelfth fret, and about 5/64" on the first string. The mahogany neck has a a thicker soft V profile that measures .83" in depth at the first position tapering up to about 1.03" at the tenth fret (before the curve of the heel). There is no known history of neck work, but presumably by its tall, newer saddle, and its angled fingerboard extension, one can assume this has had a neck reset before any finish work was done. The frets appear to be replaced, likely with the rest of the work this has received, as well as having a new nut. The ebony fingerboard has pearl dot inlays, and again, showing almost no wear could be surmised as replacement. It has a 1 23/32" nut width, and features the original open gear Waverly tuners - still in great working order. The peg head veneer also has been over sprayed, apparent with a thumb print evident at its gold logo. Includes a newer hardshell case.