1898

probableMartin numbers its Little Martin (LX) and Backpacker instruments on runs of their own, and those numbers look exactly like a number from this run. Check the label inside the soundhole first: a current LX or Backpacker number, read against this chart, lands somewhere in the middle of the last century. The breakpoints Martin publishes run through 2025.

Run: Main guitar and ukulele numberingLittle Martin (LX), Backpacker, the Solid Wood, HPL and SO ukulele series, and mandolins made before the runs merged in 1991 are each numbered on a run of their own, and this reading does not cover them. Ukuleles built at Nazareth do share this run.
What the year means: The year the number was issuedMartin's chart records the last number issued in each calendar year, so this is when the number was assigned rather than when the instrument shipped.

Data updated 24 August 2026· rules 51545f78

Asking range

$4,977–$23,195 asking

Based on 47 current listings for 1898 Martin instruments of any model · updated 23 September 2026. Reference information only — not an appraisal.

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