I have no affiliation with the seller nor the sale, but thought this was interesting. I feel like I've seen it for sale before, though, a few years ago: https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-AMERICAN-FOLK-ART-FRETLESS-BANJO-w-TINTYPE-PHOTOGRAPH-IN-INLAID-NECK-/225265967107?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Noah, I remember somewhat that previous thread. I don’t think that this exact banjo is that same one that was discussed a few years ago. Close enough that it could be the same builder if my memory is correct. Interesting that setting photographs into instruments may have been a “Thing” in the 1870’s. .
Really neat instrument.
i especially love the ivory acorn nut caps. I have never seen that before by any builder where the nuts where covered in ornamental sheathing. Beautiful.
On a similar note...does anyone recall, or have photographs of a late 1860’s- early 1870’s presentation Banjo that had tin type photographs of members of New York’s Tammany Hall set in the neck and around the pot. The banjo may have originally been on EBay and discussed here about 10 or so years ago. Long shot question.
Edited by - Alvin Conder on 11/27/2022 09:29:24
This banjo was offered on eBay last week, then the auction canceled and reposted. No indication why.
It is an interesting instrument. I am curious what the final price will be.
Bob Smakula
When this banjo was originally listed, there was no inlayed photograph. I'm sure there's an explanation as to why, but the seller hasn't shared it.
quote:
Originally posted by csacwpWhen this banjo was originally listed, there was no inlayed photograph. I'm sure there's an explanation as to why, but the seller hasn't shared it.
Hmm, the plot thickens...
I read the description and looked at the photos. It seems like an older neck and an 1870s pot. The square dowel looks to have been rounded to fit through the end of the pot, the tension rim extends above the skin and can't be tightened down any further due to the original neck design, and the heel seems out of proportion and doesn't extend down to the bottom of the pot. All of these are indications of a mishmash. Also, the back of the neck looks refinished. That being said, it is an interesting banjo, but many of the attributes and the reason for the conjoining are not easily explained or resolved.
Edited by - Fishcoy on 11/27/2022 18:13:29
quote:
Originally posted by FishcoyI read the description and looked at the photos. It seems like an older neck and an 1870s pot. The square dowel looks to have been rounded to fit through the end of the pot, the tension rim extends above the skin and can't be tightened down any further due to the original neck design, and the heel seems out of proportion and doesn't extend down to the bottom of the pot. All of these are indications of a mishmash. Also, the back of the neck looks refinished. That being said, it is an interesting banjo, but many of the attributes and the reason for the conjoining are not easily explained or resolved.
None of those features indicate mismatched parts to me. I have seen them all numerous times on banjos from the period.
The seller sent this:
"Yes, the tintype had slid down behind the inlay, I did not know it was there until someone suggested that there was probably a tintype there originally. I took a closer look and found it. I ended the auction and relisted it with the tintype."
quote:
Originally posted by Andy FitzGibbonThe seller sent this:
"Yes, the tintype had slid down behind the inlay, I did not know it was there until someone suggested that there was probably a tintype there originally. I took a closer look and found it. I ended the auction and relisted it with the tintype."
It is a very interesting banjo. I enjoyed looking at the photos.
Wow, that went for a pretty penny. The acorn design was my favorite part
$6,708....HFS!!
To answer Alvin's question about the tintype Tammany Hall banjo, it resides in an important midwest collection. It's one of about half a dozen banjos decorated with ferrotype ( tintype ) images that I've seen or owned over the years.
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