today I had to sell my granddads (who died before I was born) 1895 Washburn style 411 5 string open back banjo.

I certainly didn't want to sell it.. but circumstances beyond my control forced to me..

 So now I guess I HAVE to restore my granddads OTHER 5 string open back banjo.

 its a lessor known but more ornate H.H. French Imperial from somewhere between 1848 and 1895

sometime back someone attempted a pretty serious heel repair to the neck.. so the dowel stick will need to be redrilled.

also  that same someone di some kinf of repair to the end of the fretboard adding some ebony near the pot end of the fingerboard.

 the neck has some beautiful inlays of pearl, brass and silver wire of cranes and water plants and grass.

the pot and hoop were nickel plated at one time, but now are buffed and lacquered brass. so I guess the "gold plated" look is now "in"

anyway. I have great deal of work to do on this one. and being as the Wasburn is now in the hands of someone else.

 I guess I had better get busy.

BB