WS20-4
S. S. Stewart Presentation Grade, “Enigma” 5 String
S/N- None 1890s 11 x 27 “ 5
1/2 lb.
Fully original except a small
bit of fingerboard binding replaced.
Condition: Near mint.
Background: Stewart of Phila. was well
known as a maker of elaborate Presentation Grade banjos. The vast majority of
these featured various combinations of typical Stewart workmanship. This
instrument has a “split personality”. Viewed from the back, everything is
characteristic of a Stewart product. The front surface, however, reeks of
Boston. The fingerboard is absolutely full of Boston shaped and engraved inlays.
The peghead inlay design is unlike Stewart work and closely resembles the
peghead pattern Fairbanks used on my Custom Electric (S/N:17167) pictured in the
Fairbanks grouping. If I had stumbled on this banjo in the market place, I would
have suspected it was a recently made fabrication. However, Jim Bollman sold it
to the person from whom I acquired it and verifies its age and authenticity.
Even though I nicknamed this the Enigma, Eli Kaufman has been kind enough to
offer a very plausible suggestion. He has seen 2 somewhat similar Stewarts and
believes the necks, probably without fingerboards, date from the 1880s or early
90s and were done at the factory to have on hand as demos for elaborate carvings
that could be ordered on expensive banjos. Then at a later date, perhaps after
the company went out of business, boards and pots were added. Whatever
transpired, it is spectacular and quite unusual.
About this instrument:
1) A perplexing mixture of Philadelphia and Boston traits.
2) Very long, very elaborate,
very high relief heel carving that features a cherub holding a musical
instrument
3) Many typical Stewart Presentation
Grade traits including the peghead shape, its carved back, engraved rim
exterior, and beautiful wood marquetry inside the rim.
4) Copious Boston inlays.
5) The neck is cherry.
Click to enlarge:
