Rare Approx 1 of 2300 Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer by JOHN MAXWELL Cookville TN

Description

Rare Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer Made by JOHN MAXWELL Cookville TN.
Hand signed label inside. Looks like the year is 1977
Beautiful Piece One tiny ding that I see and a small separation crack on the side, not a big deal. Please see pictures for condition.
Approx 34” long
Maxwell “Teardrop”
John L Maxwell (1922 – 1981) built around 2300 dulcimers from the mid-60s until the late 70s, many sold from his Upper Cumberland Craft Center in Cookeville, Tennessee.  Maxwell was a cabinetmaker who apparently became fascinated by the dulcimer when he saw one at a craft fair in N Carolina in 1964.  His dulcimers were popular during this period, being displayed at Gracelands and the Grand Ol’ Opry, as well as being presented to then-president Richard Nixon.
Maxwells are vintage and are slowly now becoming 'historic' dulcimers and collectors items.