Musical Instrument Collection of Hank Risan

  • Furniture & Decorative Arts
  • Highlights

Hank Risan’s musical instrument collection included more than 750 examples of fine 19th and 20th century acoustic instruments. On October 17th, we are happy to offer over 50 of these magnificent guitars and mandolins.


Risan owns an 1835 Martin 2½-17 guitar that is believed to have accompanied Mark Twain (born Samuel Clemens) throughout his life. During a 1999 appearance on National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Things Considered program, Risan played an arrangement of the Stephen Foster classic, Old Susannah, on the Twain guitar.


A vintage C. Martin New York Guitar, marked 0452, in an ebonized wood case. Estimate: $8,000–$10,000 This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A vintage C. Martin New York Guitar, marked 0452, in an ebonized wood case.
Estimate: $8,000–$10,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A Washburn Style 208 Grand Concert guitar with mother of pearl decoration, marked 2031-6, with hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 38 in their April 2014 auction.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A Washburn Style 208 Grand Concert guitar with mother of pearl decoration, marked 2031-6, with hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 38 in their April 2014 auction.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A Washburn Style 309 Grand Concert Presentation Guitar circa 1890, with mother of pearl decoration, sticker ‘Joseph Lennard L Rosenburg Denver’, with hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 49 in their April 2014 auction. <br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A Washburn Style 309 Grand Concert Presentation Guitar circa 1890, with mother of pearl decoration, sticker ‘Joseph Lennard L Rosenburg Denver’, with hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 49 in their April 2014 auction.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A Washburn Style 308 Grand Concert guitar, Serial Number in cavity 82265 with hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 193 in their April 2014 auction.<br><b>Estimate: $8,000–$12,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A Washburn Style 308 Grand Concert guitar, Serial Number in cavity 82265 with hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 193 in their April 2014 auction.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A C.F Martin New York acoustic guitar, with ebonized wood case, with signed fragment signed Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens (very poor and illegible). <br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A C.F Martin New York acoustic guitar, with ebonized wood case, with signed fragment signed Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens (very poor and illegible).
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A C.F Martin 1938 F-9 Guitar, in a 1941 hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 47 in their April 2014 auction.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A C.F Martin 1938 F-9 Guitar, in a 1941 hard case. Please note this guitar was offered at Guernseys as lot 47 in their April 2014 auction.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A Martin 1938 F-9 Guitar, Serial Number 63594, with hard case.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A Martin 1938 F-9 Guitar, Serial Number 63594, with hard case.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A 1924 Gibson Godfather mandolin, serial number 79987. Presumably used at Paramount Pictures in the 1973 major motion picture <em>The Godfather</em> theme and solo. Comes with a signed letter by Al Viola stating as such on Viola letterhead.<br><b>Estimate: $1,000–$1,200</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A 1924 Gibson Godfather mandolin, serial number 79987. Presumably used at Paramount Pictures in the 1973 major motion picture The Godfather theme and solo. Comes with a signed letter by Al Viola stating as such on Viola letterhead.
Estimate: $1,000–$1,200

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A Washburn Style 308 acoustic guitar, serial number 45803 in cavity, New Model, with hard case.<br><b>Estimate: $8,000–$10,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A Washburn Style 308 acoustic guitar, serial number 45803 in cavity, New Model, with hard case.
Estimate: $8,000–$10,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A D’Angelico New York “New Yorker” electric acoustic guitar, serial number 2211, with hard case.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A D’Angelico New York “New Yorker” electric acoustic guitar, serial number 2211, with hard case.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A D’Angelico New York “New Yorker” acoustic guitar, serial number 1394, with hard case.<br><b>Estimate: $7,000–$9,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A D’Angelico New York “New Yorker” acoustic guitar, serial number 1394, with hard case.
Estimate: $7,000–$9,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A C. F. Martin & Co. New York guitar, with original case and label reading C.F Martin and Co. Manufacturers of Guitars, etc. / Size of G 2 and No. of Qual 27.<br><b>Estimate: $5,000–$7,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A C. F. Martin & Co. New York guitar, with original case and label reading C.F Martin and Co. Manufacturers of Guitars, etc. / Size of G 2 and No. of Qual 27.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A 1938 Martin F-9 Arch Top acoustic guitar cavity #69376, with brown hard case, one of only 72 examples produced.<br><b>Estimate: $2,000–$4,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A 1938 Martin F-9 Arch Top acoustic guitar cavity #69376, with brown hard case, one of only 72 examples produced.
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.
A 1935 Martin F-9 Guitar, with hard case. Please note this guitar was possibly offered at the Guernseys auction in April 2014 as Lot 47.<br><b>Estimate: $7,000–$9,000</b><br><em>This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.</em>
A 1935 Martin F-9 Guitar, with hard case. Please note this guitar was possibly offered at the Guernseys auction in April 2014 as Lot 47.
Estimate: $7,000–$9,000

This property is being sold at public auction as provided by Internal Revenue Code section 6335. Only the right, title, and interest of the Hank Risan is being offered for sale. Property is sold “as is, where is” without recourse against the United States. The United States offers no Guarantee or warranty, implied or expressed on the condition of any property or its fitness for any purpose or use.

In 2014, Risan placed 265 of his classic guitars on the block with boutique auction house Guernsey’s in New York. The auction was called The Artistry of the Guitar. However, many of the guitars, including the Martin — which was ultimately purchased by The Martin Guitar Company — did not reach their pre-auction estimates or reserves.

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