WS20-5
S. S. Stewart Special Thoroughbred, Presentation Grade 5
String
S/N- 51601 1898 10 ˝ x 26 1/4 “ 5
1/8 lb.
Fully original
Condition: Near mint.
Background: Stewart of Phila. was well
known for his Presentation Grade banjos. Although very elaborate, to my eye many
of them are not really attractive. In particular, his carving work was done in a
style that lacked subtle variations in depth and fell far short of typical
Boston products. His decorative approach for inlay work was usually too crowded
and “busy”. On the other hand, his presentation pots were beautifully done. This
banjo features one of the very best combinations of Stewart craftsmanship I have
seen.
About this instrument:
1) The heel carving extends almost to the 5th peg and is one of the very few I
have seen that I would rank close to the caliber of Boston makers such as
Fairbanks, Cole, etc.
2) The rim exterior is not only beautifully engraved but the work is quite bold
and visually striking. The design alternates every other space between the
shoes.
3)The peghead and board feature lightly engraved, colorful pearl inlays of a
wide variety of shapes. The fingerboard alone displays 87 inlays of 20 different
designs.
4) Superb decor on the inside of the pot including very striking marquetry and a
beautifully turned dowel stick.
5) Typical Stewart presentation-shape peghead the back of which is nicely
carved..
6) Celluloid tuners with lovely inlaid floral decoration.
7) Stewart’s clever neck fastener and adjuster (patented in July, 1894).
8) The neck is cherry.
Click to enlarge:
