A friend bought this banjo. I'm doing some restoration and would like to find out more information on the banjo. It has no maker's marks. Details from initial inspection:
• Total length 35 7/8", weight 3 lb 11 oz.
• Neck 24", fingerboard 18"
• Neck at nut is 1 1/8" wide by 5/8" deep
• Neck at heel is 2 1/8" x 2 3/4"
• Brass heel plate: total 5 3/8", extends 3" over head.
• Minstrel figure at heel = 8 1/2", swan figure at peghead is 3 3/4"
• Pot 11 3/4" dia by 2 3/4" deep. Pot consists of a brass band and a galvanized metal band, held together by brass tabs at the shoe locations.
I'm posting photos of the banjo and restoration process (reproduction shoes, hooks and nuts; mahogany dowel; etc.) and some notes on Google Drive at: drive.google.com/drive/folders...p=sharing
Thanks in advance for any comments that people may have on the banjo, such as probable age, possible maker, locality, comparable instruments, etc.
For anyone feeling déjà vu, the previous threads:
banjohangout.org/topic/382511/
banjohangout.org/topic/382630
Ian - tnx........ I had forgotten about the owner's previous posts here on BHO. So this post counts as a "bump" with more pictures on Google Drive.
My thought, based on nothing and without any reason or proof, is that this was a homemade banjo inspired by the existence of Joe Sweeney.
I can see this as an entry in a county fair or other such contest.
it could be a sweeny, it could not be a sweeny, it could have been made for sweeny, it could have nothing to do with him. we have no way of knowing. eitherway its a fantastic piece and im glad its in your hands for the restoration. The tea cup handle on the headstock is facinating, i wonder what the signifigance of that is?
Edited by - kyleb on 05/11/2022 10:27:44
Google search has a way connecting unrelated information. That being said, if you search swan and Netchez, MS. You get a famous opera singer known as "Black Swan."
facebook.com/101427513238306/p...8/?type=3
Maybe the banjo is a homage to playing the banjo like Sweeney and evoking the renown and precise voice of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield?
This comment is complete speculation.
Edited by - Fishcoy on 05/11/2022 11:32:28
quote:
Originally posted by FishcoyGoogle search has a way connecting unrelated information. That being said, if you search swan and Netchez, MS. You get a famous opera singer known as "Black Swan."
facebook.com/101427513238306/p...8/?type=3
Maybe the banjo is a homage to playing minstrel music like Joel Sweeney and evoking the renown and precise voice of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfieloff
This comment is complete speculation.
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