CEParagon124 - Posted - 12/16/2014:  11:42:21

Came across this today on Ebay.

ebay.com/itm/Historic-Unique-R...5e1ebc96c

Interesting patented internal head tensioning system. Marked, "MUDDIMAN PATENT".

Back of peghead with impressed emblem, "Star" "Trademark" "Registered".

Nice looking fretless banjo. Probably quite playable.

Marked "26" on dowel, according to seller. Photo out of focus. Model number or serial number?

Also interesting the way the dowel end is bolted to a projecting flange. See photo 13. Looks like the dowel end would go up and down with that internal tension/tone ring. Odd.

Cannot be many of these around.

A BHO search for "Muddiman' produced no results.

English?

Charlie Noyes

Edited by - CEParagon124 on 12/17/2014 17:53:38

bargrasspicker - Posted - 12/16/2014:  12:59:44

pretty sure starbrand was a lyon and healy product. never seen anything like that muddiman, hopefully it doesnt mean it sounds muddy.

bargrasspicker - Posted - 12/16/2014:  13:10:12

this is the only patent i could find for muddiman from the time period, i dont think it relates to this. google.com/patents/US339109

CEParagon124 - Posted - 12/16/2014:  13:10:19

I'm not sure how the skin head is secured. Guess it's just not visible in the photos and hidden beneath that tension hoop/tone ring.
Charlie Noyes

CEParagon124 - Posted - 12/16/2014:  13:13:13

I didn't find any American patents for " Muddiman banjo" on Google.
That neck looks very English to me, in my limited experience.
Charlie

Andy FitzGibbon - Posted - 12/16/2014:  13:29:08

Definitely looks British.  I've never seen any banjo related US patents by anyone named Muddiman, so it's probably a British patent.

Andy

CEParagon124 - Posted - 12/16/2014:  19:28:04

Seller wants too much for it, unless it's an absolute auction. Also, no refund, no returns.

Charlie Noyes

bargrasspicker - Posted - 12/18/2014:  07:31:06

i thought that star trademark was lyon and healy but just found this on mugwumps with a picture that matches saying its probably brittish. mugwumps.com/faq.html

"Q: Perhaps the readers can help with this one? Anyone have an instrument with a clearer mark? The intertwined letters could be L&H. 

A: Although Lyon & Healy advertised a Star brand banjo circa 1890, the ones seen are clearly British. They are not of Lyon & Healy manufacture. The logo remains a mystery.

"