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Perhaps a more important issue than the wax or lack there of (Although an interesting question indeed), is the kind of shellac used back then and the possible additions of various resins to the shellac mix.

Seedlac and button lac were by far the most common, and I believe an important factor when trying to replicate 20's and 30's instruments and their finishes. It is believed by many that the less processing of the shellac, the better the finish would be. The additions of resins which were common (but usage was slowing down in that era) can have many and varied effect on the finishes.

It is an interesting note that finishes on Martins, Larsons and a few smaller makers certainly share a quatily that has been unseen since. Please check out the french polish post in the "technical info" section of the UMGF if anyone is interested in learning more about this fascinating subect!

Tony

Though I don't doubt that the shellac used on 19th century Martins was unbleached, it should be remembered that many early Martins (especially 0-28s from the 1890's) had tops stained a rather orange pumpkin color. If you look at earlier Martins the finish, though showing typical shellac color, is not particularly dark. I do think they scraped the Ivory bindings though as they often show very little color. 

The 19th century Martin FP finish has always been my hallmark as to an aesthetic that is really worth emulating, and as mentioned above, a finish that has proven its durability.

 

[QUOTE=DP LaPlante]

The 19th century Martin FP finish has always been my hallmark as to an aesthetic that is really worth emulating, and as mentioned above, a finish that has proven its durability.

 

[/QUOTE]

The $64,000 Question is how they did it. Maybe we can loose the "History Detectives" on it...

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