Can anyone help me identify the age of this banjo. It belonged to my father in law in Scotland and is at least 75 years old.
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Originally posted by Deex2307Can anyone help me identify the age of this banjo. It belonged to my father in law in Scotland and is at least 75 years old.
Hard to date an Essex banjo exactly but I think that's a Popular made for Essex by G Houghton in Birmingham. 1910 - 1920 ?
Thanks. I was wondering if the serial number in the photo would determine the age.
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Originally posted by Deex2307Thanks. I was wondering if the serial number in the photo would determine the age.
No not to my knowledge sorry.
The label on the perch pole "Clifford Essex and Co. 15A Grafton Street" suggests the time period 1900-1919. As Steven Prior states, Houghton made many banjos that carried the Clifford Essex name.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks to those who replied. Does anyone have any idea of its value.? I play guitar but know nothing of banjos. For its age it doesn't look too bad but would definitely need a repair to the 5th peg which won't retain tension on the string at all. It's in what is probably the original case with one or two extras inside. The case is not in good condition.
The fifth string peg looks like a patent peg. A simple tightening of the screw on the knob should help keep the peg from slipping unless the screw has worn down to where it will no longer hold. Then the peg would have to be replaced.
I think the problem is that the hole for the peg in the banjo neck is worn and is now too big for the peg.
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Originally posted by Deex2307Thanks to those who replied. Does anyone have any idea of its value.? I play guitar but know nothing of banjos. For its age it doesn't look too bad but would definitely need a repair to the 5th peg which won't retain tension on the string at all. It's in what is probably the original case with one or two extras inside. The case is not in good condition.
From the photos it looks like it has had a tenor tailpiece fitted maybe your father-in-law played it as a plectrum banjo with 4 strings ? If the neck is straight and the frets are ok maybe £100 - £150 as it stands. If it was in your position I'd be inclined to stick it on Ebay with a low start Essex banjos are quite popular on there.
Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't have had a clue.
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Originally posted by Deex2307I think the problem is that the hole for the peg in the banjo neck is worn and is now too big for the peg.
A couple of pieces of flat toothpick glued into the sides of the hole will tighten up the bore so the peg will fit better. Or you can replace the peg with a more modern version.
If it were mine I would try the toothpick trick first.
