Hi
I have a Will Birch Banjo must have been made in the late 1800s, in reasonable condition, does anybody know of these type and value of this type, its a long neck banjo, looks well made.
Glyn
I think Birch was more likely a retailer rather than a maker. They do turn up occasionally and appear to have been made by various makers. Yours has quite elaborate inlays and I'd take a guess at the maker being someone like Temlett or Spencer. Zither banjos do have a following but values tend to be low. In good playing condition maybe £130 to £150.
A little more info... the metal knob/bolt thing in the middle of the peg head was intended for young women to hang pretty ribbons off of. With that, this would have been marketed as a "ladies banjo".
Which might detract from the already low value.
quote:
Originally posted by Joel HooksA little more info... the metal knob/bolt thing in the middle of the peg head was intended for young women to hang pretty ribbons off of. With that, this would have been marketed as a "ladies banjo".
Which might detract from the already low value.
Really? I always imagined those knobs were an accessory so that the ZB could form a more vital function as a door knocker or perhaps a decorative toilet pull.
