c. 1820 original French antique guitar, including label by Pupil of Lacote

[James Westbrook]

stamped: 'Marotel' on the neck-block. Nicolas Marotel, Paris c. 1820. With a handwritten label which reads: Legros, luthier, ex ouvrier de Mr Lacote de Paris (trans: Legros luthier, former worker of Mr Lacote of Paris) Select maple back and sides, with hazelfichte figured spruce soundboard - stunning looker.  converted by Legros De La Neuville around 1820s from wooden tuning pegs to tuning machines. Vannes says that Legros invented mechanical tuners. No case. Condition: fully restored, plays and sounds beautifully, equipped with gut strings. typically of guitars of this age, the back had shrunk a little and someone has made up the width by adding a little more maple around the edges (see photos). 1inch repaired crack to bottom bout (slightly pushed in), centre-seam had opened at one time, but now repaired. beautiful violin-like original finish to back and sides. This guitar would suit a serious (professional) player,  preferably for non nail-players , due to the low action (because of no raised fingerboard).  

String length 640mm, back length 448, widest part of the body 296, nut width 45, string height at the 12th fret 3.25 (6st string) and 3.00 (1st string).

A museum piece which is totally playable

Just to be Clear: it was made by Nicolas Marotel, and later was converted from wooden tuning pegs to mechanical tuners, almost definitely by a pupil of Lacote called Legros De La Neuville, at this time Legros added his handwritten label.

£1,950

[Marten Falk]

I have played this very guitar and I can testify that it is a wonderful instrument. Beautiful sound and good playing condition.
Best from Marten