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Description

Will Rogers' circa 1855-1866 Martin 2-27 Acoustic Guitar.
This guitar once belonging to Oklahoma's Favorite Son, Will Rogers, a prolific writer and live, film, and TV performer who lived from 1879 until 1935.
Before making its way to Heritage Auctions, this Martin 2-27 was on display at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum since 1996, when Will's grandson, James "Kem" Rogers entrusted it to the museum. Per the letter from Joseph Carter, Director of the Will Rogers Museum, who conducted an interview with Will's son, James "Jim" Rogers, "Jim Rogers can not recall a time within his lifetime that the guitar was not present in the household..."
Photo-copies of an appraisal from Larry Briggs of Strings West Guitars in 2016 and a letter/joint statement from Joseph H. Carter, Director of the Will Rogers Museum and Greg N. Malak, Curator for the Will Rogers Museum/Will Rogers Memorial Commission of Oklahoma, dated July 10, 1997. There is also a photo of Kem Rogers delivering the guitar to the museum.

Very rare 2-27 model Martin made between 1867-1885. Weather checked, cracks and nicks are present but that is typical for a guitar that is 170+ years old and was used and enjoyed. The bridge and tailpiece we added at some point. This is a historically significant guitar. No case included. Condition: Good.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.



Auction Info

Auction Dates
May, 2023
9th Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 14
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,838

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.

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Sold on May 9, 2023 for: $32,500.00
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