R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 01/23/2010:  19:10:36

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Does anyone know of a listing of serial #'s
for Dobson banjos? I couldn't find the info
on Mugwumps.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 01/23/2010:  20:16:00

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I don't know how many of the Dobsons had serial #s. My ca. 1881 George C. doesn't. The approximate date is based on the address on the brand stamped on the back of the peghead. Of course with 5 Dobson brothers all branding at least some banjos, that gets confusing too. I think George and Henry had the most made under their names.

jbalch - Posted - 01/23/2010:  21:06:27

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The H. C. Dobson banjo that I used to have was marked either"6023" or "0023" on the dowell (I was never really sure about the first digit). It was also patent marked in several locations. That would date it after 1881...that is all I know. I never found a list either.

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Edited by - jbalch on 01/24/2010 05:25:55

GerryH - Posted - 01/24/2010:  10:14:37

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I have an H.C. Dobson Silver Bell with 8/8/88 etched in the tone ring. I've always wondered who put the date on it. Anyway, I have never seen a serial number list on the Dobson instruments. I would like to learn more though.
GerryH

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 01/24/2010:  21:29:25

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jbalch:
Interesting........
Mine has a number of patent dates also,
the latest being June of '82.

The other interesting thing I note,
as best I can tell from your picture,
the stamping on the right says "Dobson's Pat."
with the first part of "Dobson" barely readable
due to not being stamped deep enough. The same
exact condition exists on my banjo.

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Edited by - R.D. Lunceford on 01/24/2010 21:34:30

jbalch - Posted - 01/25/2010:  07:11:57

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R. D.

That banjo was patent marked on the dowel...plus on the tone ring (twice I think), the spunover rim, and the metal plate at the end of the fingerboard. It even had patent marks on the old champion tuners. Mr. Dobson was proud of his patents.

I'm sure you are aware of Dobson's patent dispute with E. J. Cubley that went all the way to the US supreme court. The decision is fun to read...such colorful and high-minded language regarding banjos.

That old Dobson is a fine old banjo. I sold it to John Salmon. I think he has since re-sold it. There are plenty more photos here: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhango...albumid=2873

deuceswilde - Posted - 01/25/2010:  16:11:43

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A problem you might run in to is that sometimes unmarked Buckbees show up with all the specs of "Dobson" banjos. Then there are all the different banjos sold by Eddie and his sons. That, and the fact that they would stamp the generic "trade" banjos all leads to fun in finding consistency.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 01/29/2010:  02:18:17

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John;

Thanks for the pics. One of these days I'll learn to post pics as well.

My banjo has a peghead very similar to yours, but has a six-point star and crescent moon
inlaid in it.

Same dots on the fingerboard but at the 5, 7(dbl), 9, 12(dbl), and 15 frets.

Same metal fingerboard plate, but no slot cut underneath, and a regular heel with
ebony cap as opposed to the "Dobson heel".

Also, a six-point star inlaid in the center of the dowel-stick.

Tailpiece......had a cheap sheet metal one shaped like your cast one,
but with a five-point star. replaced with an antique Elite tailpiece.

With the exception of the above, exactly the same banjo as yours.

Needs some set-up work, but will likely be my main fretted banjo.
A great instrument. Got it from John Bowlin, who will do the adjustments.

Thanks to all who replied. Dobsons aren't as well documented as one might wish.

BigDaddio88 - Posted - 01/29/2010:  06:20:49

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22850 is the # stamped on mine. Pics on my homeppage.

jbalch - Posted - 01/29/2010:  06:51:34

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RD:

The one I had came from an old house (in Masssachussetts I think). I bought it on ebaY from the fellow who found it while salvaging architectural parts from the property.

Mine was missing the tailpeice when it arrived. I first found a simple sheet-metal brass 5-point star tailpeice for it. I bought the nicer cast 6-point star Dobson part from Calvin Minner who works at Gruhns in Nashville. It was also missing one of the ivory dots in the fingerboard. Dan Knowles fitted a real ivory replacement. Otherwise it was all original and complete.

I played that Dobson on two tracks of my ~HOT~ Biscuit Jam project (Firefly and Rattletrap).

I hope you enjoy yours. I seems like a nice example!

BigDaddio88 - Posted - 01/29/2010:  09:12:27

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Mine will soon be on it's way to Adam Hurt.

BigDaddio88 - Posted - 01/29/2010:  11:26:20

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22850 is the # stamped on mine. Pics on my homeppage.

jbalch - Posted - 01/29/2010:  14:46:48

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BigDaddio88:

That is a beautiful example:

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 01/29/2010:  21:52:09

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That is a magnificent specimen !!!
On it's way to Adam Hurt? I'd be hardpressed to
part with it.

John;
I was visiting with John Bowlin this afternoon.
As I said, he is doing the set-up work on the banjo.

He pulled out a copy of your CD and put it on.
You are a mega-talent! Talk about a tight, tasteful
band. I certainly hope you guys are getting airplay.
Really, really, great stuff.

Your Dobson sounded great.

BigDaddio88 - Posted - 01/30/2010:  08:26:18

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I was happy to have it pass through my hands for a time. I'm asking Brooks Masden to build something special for me. I can't honestly justify to my family having too many 'jos around the house.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 01/30/2010:  13:21:48

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quote:

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Originally posted by BigDaddio88
I was happy to have it pass through my hands for a time.

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That's the truth.
When it comes to these old instruments,
we ourselves just happen to be one of their owners.
They have a history that we are merely a part of. The best we can do
is make some music with them, take care of them and pass them
down to someone who will hopefully do the same.

It's the same with a fine new banjo........we just happen to be
their first owners.