WS19-8

S. S. Stewart                    Little Wonder No. 2                 5 String Piccolo Banjo

 

S/N: 13323                  1893                            7 1/16 x 15 “                            3 1/8 lb.

 

Fully original

 

Condition: Near mint.

 

Background: As banjo popularity soared in the 1880s, musical arrangements were written in four parts and the piccolo banjo was made to play the soprano parts. Rims are usually around 7" in diameter with necks to scale. By most makers,  piccolos are quite rare and very few had model designations. Stewart, on the other hand, was quite well known for his nicely made “Little Wonders” with full spun pots,16 brackets, cherry necks, ebony boards, and plain celluloid tuners. They turn up more often than piccolos by any other maker.

 

In reference to Stewart piccolos, the number “2" can be very confusing. He offered a “Grade 2 “ piccolo which was his cheaply made level and this “Little Wonder No. 2" which was an upgraded, more elaborate Little Wonder. The main difference was the more elaborate pearl inlay work. This model sold for $ 20 and is many times more rare than the regular Little Wonder.

 

About this instrument:

1) Typical No. 2 inlay pattern.

2) Stewart tailpiece with the ivory rosette.

3) Grained ivoroid tuners with delicate inlaid decorations.

4) Cherry neck.

 

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