A unique small body guitar, attributed to SS Stewart, possibly built by Martin, Washburn or Bauer. With no stamps or serial numbers present - identification is a bit left to some speculation.
The Stewart brand around the 19 teen into the early 20's were being supplied their flat top guitars from some of the finest builders around. With very subtle idiosyncrasies between the manufacturing, it can be difficult to completely identify, especially on one thats as particular as this smaller "Special" model according to its Stewart label.

With a lower bout measuring in at only 11 1/8" across with a body length of only 15 1/4", it puts it fairly close to a Martin style "5" (which 11 1/4" and 16" length) hence our listing title denoting the approximate size with the Spruce and Mahogany wood combination. If not of Martin design (as it is admittedly a bit unique for the product line of non-Martin's), it *could* also be attributed with the rare Bauer builds, though measurement comparisons are not readily available. Lyon & Healy would sell the Washburn brand to Stewart in the late 20's, and *did* make a 3/4" model in the early 20's that would match some of these descriptors. With a slightly different yet simple rosette and spine, and replaced bridge further complicates matters. Although simple appointments, it does have an iconic snowflake inlay, and an interesting simplified fleur de lis style peg head inlay.

A smaller body, 11 1/8" lower bout 6.5" waist and 8" upper bout, this would certainly make sense to have been designed as a student model instrument. Ladder braced, with its rear brace functioning as the bridge plate. It has a very nice solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it has a very fun, bright and string-y tone with a nice snap & okay sustain. The bass while lacking from the overall smaller size does carry decent volume. A 12 fret to the body neck, it is designed with a 21.5" scale length (again similar to a style 5). The neck angle is good, albeit with past evidence of a decent neck set. As mentioned the bridge had been replaced, presumably at the same time as the neck set. It has a V profile and a 1.75" nut width. Set up right now with silk & steel strings, it yields a super playable action measuring 5/64" in height at the twelfth fret of the sixth string and 4/64" on the first - with a huge amount of saddle to play with. There is a bit of fall off at the fingerboard extension that one might consider addressing - a tale best left to its next owner.

Subtle pick wear is present on the top, and the binding is beginning to shrink around the waist on both the top and the back - but nothing that ultimately diminishes the cool quality nor the easy playability this guitar has.

Includes original chipboard case.