As we have never kept a register of labels, excepting those numbered from 1967 onwards, the dates during which different designs have been used are impossible to determine.
There will be gaps In the following document, in so far as there are labels in existence which do not figure here. Also, some of the dates may not be exact (although they are not far out) especially in the case of those used by José Ramírez I and the early days of José Ramírez II. The end of his time coincided with the beginning of that of José Ramírez III, who was the first to number and sign the labels. My brother José Ramírez IV and I have continued to use the labels designed by my father.
The following information has been compiled by Miguel Martiínez, the oldest serving member of this company. Although he is now retired, he continues to offer his memories and knowledge of the traditions of this guitar making family.
Labels up to 1957 (approximately)
The oldest label of which I know belongs to the collection of Félix Manzanero, and has the following characteristics: size 60 x 100 mm, white background, black letters, with the headline:"Guitarrería José Ramírez de Galarreta y Hermano, Constructores."
In very small type it indicates that cords, guitars and bandurrias, (a type of lute) etc., are also on sale. Finally the address: Cava Baja 2(..), Madrid. . The street number is impossible to decipher, the second number having disappeared during the repairing of the instrument It is not dated, but logic tells us that it must be anterior to the separation of the two brothers (José y Manuel) and the establishment of José in Concepción Jerónima 2 (1882). It is possible that the address is in fact Cava Baja 24, the Ramírez family home.
This label dates approximately from the time of José Ramírez I. We are not sure when its use started and ended.
It is printed on ordinary paper, round,with a diameter of 52 mm. Blue background and white letters, with the name Ramírez at the top, following the circumference. There is a drawing of the Muse Euterpe, playing a double flute, in the centre. Another version (nº3) exists, with the outlines, text and drawing in black, a golden background and the figure in ivory.
The following labels date, possibly, from the last years of José Ramírez I, and were certainly used during the time of José Ramírez II.
Ordinary Studio Labels
Cheap paper, white background, black ink, size 30 x 50 mm. Poor aspect. I'm not sure when it was first used, but we stopped using it in 1957.
Quality Studio Labels
Glossy paper, white background, dark blue ink, large in size: 72 x 109 mm. Used simultaneously with the label above.
Labels for Handmade Guitars
Virtually the same as the above, but smaller: 57 x 80mm. Similar dates as above. José Ramírez III, at the beginning (1945) did sign some of his guitars, but later stopped doing so. It is interesting to note that his signature from this period does not resemble his signature when he began to sign his guitars again in 1967.