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RodsReel - Posted - 04/23/2026: 10:01:22
Hi, I'm new to the forum and have a question.
I have been given a nice banjo. on the back of the head stock are the words " Jan Wein Glasgow"
It looks like it has a bit of an age to it and some nice woodwork. I attach some pics.
Does anyone have any info on such a banjo.
Thanks Rod`
Cube-Steak - Posted - 04/23/2026: 10:32:35
Possibly George Houghton & Sons? That’s my guess at least, it seems to have a similar tone ring to what I’ve seen used on some of their models
Joel Hooks - Posted - 04/23/2026: 10:39:08
You will get no useful information on your specific banjo without clear, well lit, and in focus images. Take the instrument out of any case and into the room with the most light possible. Take into the sun if necessary. Use your focus feature on your phone.
Jan Wein was a banjoist and teacher who was known for playing the "zither banjo". Zither banjos were "invented" (developed) by the American Alfred D. Cammeyer in Brooklyn, NY. He brought his prototype and idea to London in 1888.
The zither banjo uses a very specific stringing, wire first, second, gut third, copper over silk floss 4th, wire 5th.
Wein, as far as I know, did not make banjos. It was common for teachers to operate a studio where they would sell their students private label banjos.
pinenut - Posted - 04/23/2026: 10:43:32
Are these the correct pics?
Edited by - pinenut on 04/23/2026 10:44:36
Stephen John Prior - Posted - 04/23/2026: 12:15:03
As Joel said take some more detailed photos as it's hard to tell from those. My guess is it's most likely a Clifford Essex. If you remove the resonator there may well be a makers stamp/badge on the dowel stick.
banjonz - Posted - 04/23/2026: 17:13:42
quote:
Originally posted by Cube-Steak
Possibly George Houghton & Sons? That’s my guess at least, it seems to have a similar tone ring to what I’ve seen used on some of their models
I have both seen and worked on a lot of GH & S instruments here in NZ but have never seen one that looks like that. I am not saying there aren't any. To my eye the hardware looks like Clifford Essex. We had a banjo maker here in NZ (dies 1930) by the name of Thomas Tompson. I have owned a couple of his and all his hardware looked like CE. As we had no manufacturing of banjo parts in NZ, he would have sourced his from the UK
RodsReel - Posted - 04/24/2026: 07:23:03
I've now seen a clifford essex 1910 banjo with the same wood ring insert pattern around the rim.
RodsReel - Posted - 04/24/2026: 07:23:46
Pattern on the rim
Stephen John Prior - Posted - 04/24/2026: 10:25:22
We really do need some more detailed photos.
Joel Hooks - Posted - 04/24/2026: 10:52:43
Yes, the purfling on the resonator does look similar to those offered by Clifford Essex.
But CE sold just the resonators alone as an accessory. Also, there was a lot of, ahem, imitation between British builders that can be confusing if you are not neck deep in the tiny details.
You cannot determine the maker on the poor images you posted of the resonator alone.
What is your motivation or goal for having this info? Is this something you want to play or sell or put in the corner?
Alex Z - Posted - 04/24/2026: 13:30:45
Q. "Does anyone have any info on such a banjo?"
A. Your pictures are bad.
Need more pictures.
We have to pass judgement on your motivation before we decide on giving you more information.
Nice, friendly place, this BHO. 
Y'all come back.
csacwp - Posted - 04/24/2026: 18:57:49
quote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooks
Yes, the purfling on the resonator does look similar to those offered by Clifford Essex.
But CE sold just the resonators alone as an accessory. Also, there was a lot of, ahem, imitation between British builders that can be confusing if you are not neck deep in the tiny details.
You cannot determine the maker on the poor images you posted of the resonator alone.
What is your motivation or goal for having this info? Is this something you want to play or sell or put in the corner?
I'll add that if the resonator is original, your banjo is certainly later than 1910. That type of resonator would not be invented for more than a decade after 1910.
Joel Hooks - Posted - 04/24/2026: 20:15:35
quote:
Originally posted by Alex Z
Q. "Does anyone have any info on such a banjo?"
A. Your pictures are bad.
Need more pictures.
We have to pass judgement on your motivation before we decide on giving you more information.
Nice, friendly place, this BHO. Y'all come back.
A) the pictures are bad. They provide no useful info in identifying the instrument.
B) if the OP is planning on retiring by selling it, then I am not all that excited to write their eBay description for them. If the OP wants to play it then I am going to give them (for free) more information than they ever wanted.
None of this is unfriendly.
deke46 - Posted - 04/25/2026: 17:00:41
Is that a cast aluminium rim ? The tension rim certainly appears to be CE.
wileypickett - Posted - 04/25/2026: 20:00:15
Love that multi-beveled rim!
