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rbfour5 - Posted - 08/25/2018: 12:19:46
I have run across a brand of skin head that I have never seen before- "Indian Head". See the logo on the inside of the head, and located near the center of the head. It came with an old pre war tenor "Oriole" shoe lug banjo, but the neck has the silk screened "The Gibson" logo. Does anyone here know anything about this brand of head?
rudy - Posted - 08/25/2018: 15:33:26
Seems to be an odd duck, as the head logo would be registered as a trade mark and not a "patent".
rbfour5 - Posted - 08/25/2018: 19:07:47
Well, I found that the "Progressive Musical Instrument Company" registered as P'MICO (1923) marketed the brand "Indian Head" banjo heads, trade marked in 1924. So, it appears another manufacturer private labeled Indian Head for P'MICO. In the Jos. B Rogers history that I can find online, there is no mention of them private labeling banjo heads. Speculation would be one of the other two manufacturers in the 20's- Ludwig or Slingerland. Anyone have a hunch? Curious minds wonder, at least mine does.......................
Edited by - rbfour5 on 08/25/2018 19:09:11
The Old Timer - Posted - 08/26/2018: 04:50:19
If the many eBay ads I see are any guide, maybe that's the brand of the banjo? ; )
rudy - Posted - 08/26/2018: 05:00:04
quote:
Originally posted by The Old Timer
If the many eBay ads I see are any guide, maybe that's the brand of the banjo? ; )
...and it's hard to believe how much stuff belonged to Pat Pending! 
jbalch - Posted - 08/26/2018: 13:12:44
Very Cool - I'm adding this one to the folder of banjo head logo photos.
Banjo head Logos
jbalch - Posted - 08/26/2018: 13:20:07
quote:
Originally posted by rbfour5
Well, I found that the "Progressive Musical Instrument Company" registered as P'MICO (1923) marketed the brand "Indian Head" banjo heads, trade marked in 1924. So, it appears another manufacturer private labeled Indian Head for P'MICO. In the Jos. B Rogers history that I can find online, there is no mention of them private labeling banjo heads. Speculation would be one of the other two manufacturers in the 20's- Ludwig or Slingerland. Anyone have a hunch? Curious minds wonder, at least mine does.......................
United Rawhide Co. of Chicago made heads for Slingerland and Ludwig (and maybe others). They might be a likely candidate.
Jeff Stern bought assets of United Rawhide.
rbfour5 - Posted - 08/26/2018: 18:16:36
Thanks for the info John. I did find some info about United Rawhide of Chicago- and that is probably the best assumption.
