WS13-1
Unknown Maker Double Headed, Un-designated
Model 5 String
S/N: None 1840s 11 3/4 x 24"
(Nut to Rim) 4 3/8 lb.
Fully original
Condition: Superb.
Background: Easily my
earliest banjo. Almost surely made by, or in conjunction with, a drum maker.
Despite coming from an era in which banjos were almost purely utilitarian, this
instrument displays subtle but elegant decorative features described below. The
offset design of the peghead was fairly common in the very early years of banjo
making.
About this instrument:
1) Ex-Bollman Collection.
2) Amazing state of
preservation, especially for such a fragile peghead.
3) The pot is constructed
with heads on both sides and apparent drum hardware. Both skin heads look as if
they could be the original ones.
4) The peghead shape is
magnificent.
5) The neck is of walnut with
lovely patina and the maple inlays are extensive and superb. In the circle at
the top of the peghead is an 8-pointed star. Near the bottom of the fingerboard
is a design I assume is Masonic. The rest of the inlays consist of 3 strips
(dark, light, dark) that outline the whole peghead below the top circle and the
entire playing surface of the neck with an additional small loop to encircle
the 5th tuner.
6) Striking original large metal tailpiece with a heart shaped cutout.
7) Pictured on page 46 in Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments, A Photographic History by George Gruhn & Walter Carter.
Click to enlarge:
