WS13-6
Unknown Maker “Screw-head” Fretless
5 String
S/N: None 1860s 12 1/4 x 17 1/2"(Nut to Rim)
2 3/4 lb.
Original except one tuner and
the tailpiece.
Condition: Excellent.
Background: It was standard practice for very early banjos to have their skin heads tacked onto the rim and these are referred to as “tack head” banjos. This instrument uses a metal band with screws thru it to attach the head which would seem to be a transitional method; the only one I have heard of or seen.
About this instrument:
1) “Screw-head” construction as mentioned above.
2) Unusual carved “radio
knob” style tuners of which 4 are original.
3) For such an early,
unsophisticated banjo it shows several “classy” woodworking touches on the back
of the peghead, around the 5th tuner, and at the bottom edge of the
rim.
Click to enlarge:
