Does anyone know if Stellings were ever sold with unstamped Tension Hoops or Armrests? ("Stelling" stamped in the neck notch and on the side of the armrest) and if so, approximately when that might have been. Thanks.
They definitely were sold with unstamped tension hoops and armrests. I asked Sherry Stelling about a specific banjo (1984?) and she said the armrests were StewMac and not marked. If I recall the conversation correctly, tension hoops and armrest were marked after they switched from StewMac to Prucha.
Any idea of approximately when they switched to Prucha hardware?
According to the Stelling Chronology, 1998 banjo 4728 was the first marked tension hoop.
Thanks Paul, that's what I needed to know.
I've definitely had a couple post '98 Stellings with unmarked hoops and armrests...Afton Stars in particular. I just figured they occasionally grabbed what was available if the stamped stock was low. I recently had a hoop with awful nickel plating flaking...It's now down to brass with a very faint stamp...Looks good on my Hartford Model T!
