Late 1890s Parlor Brazilian RW Adi Spruce

Late 1890s Chicago-Made Parlor Guitar – Exceptional Brazilian Rosewood & Adirondack Spruce

This remarkable late-1890s Chicago-built parlor guitar—very likely the work of Lyon & Healy or one of their top-tier contracted shops—stands as a beautiful example of the refined craftsmanship coming out of Chicago at the turn of the century. See YouTube Video Below for sound sample.

Built with straight-grained Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and a tight, responsive Adirondack spruce top, this guitar delivers the elegant aesthetics and lively voice that define the best instruments of the era.

The guitar features stunning, high-quality marquetry throughout: an intricate rosette, tasteful top purfling, decorative back purfling, and a center-seam marquetry strip that showcases the builder’s attention to detail. The original ebony pyramid bridge, notable for its unique early design, once carried a fret-wire saddle but has been professionally modified to accept a modern drop-in saddle via a clean ebony insert—an upgrade that enhances both tone and serviceability while maintaining the instrument’s historical character.

Strung with silk-and-steel strings, the guitar offers a wonderfully open, articulate voice with surprising projection for a small-bodied instrument. It plays with ease, responds immediately to a light touch, and has that shimmering, old-world charm only found in century-old tonewoods.

A high-grade parlor guitar in every respect—visually striking, structurally sound, and musically inspiring. A rare opportunity to own a premium example of Chicago craftsmanship from the golden age of American guitar making.