Any help on identifying this one? Thanks!
Looks like British made Tunbridge ware, late 1800's.
Info here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunbridge_ware
I am certainly no expert on pre 1890 banjos, but that is certainly not a English banjo, nor is it Tunbridge.
I am near certain it is US made. I venture a guess at mid to late 1870’s to mid - 1880’s.
Seems to be a Take on the early Dobson design, maybe a one off custom presentation Dobson? or at least not any Dobson I have seen.
I have seen that tailpiece before, Cubley possible? I'm leaning towards it being a Dobson. Early 1880s.
Absolutely beautiful instrument and a stunning example of the craftsman’s art.
Edited by - Alvin Conder on 10/16/2024 15:53:36
It's an H.C. Dobson (or H.C. Dobson by Martin Bros.). The tailpiece is likely original and is not a Cubley design.
It is a Henry Dobson banjo built on his 1878 patent. Most of these have Martin Brothers stamped on the side of the neck at the heel. I have seen one that was stamped Wurlitzer (spelling?) on the side of the neck. The tailpiece is original, although several different tailpieces were used on this model banjo.
Thanks to everyone for the information! Any idea on value? I don’t see a lot of these for sale.
Dosbson 1878 patent by the Martin Bros. I'm surprised there's no stamp on the heel or label in the resonator. Beautiful example. Definitely worth some decent money.
blaine
quote:
Originally posted by BoxingrhythmThanks to everyone for the information! Any idea on value? I don’t see a lot of these for sale.
A dobson 1867 recently sold from Bernunzio for $3,500 with equally elaborate marquetry. Considering that they are a retail store, I would estimate that you could sell this for $2,000 - $3,000 to the right buyer. The popularity of these Dobson "tubs" has recently gained a lot of steam.
Blaine
Newest Posts
'Eva Cassidy' 10 min
'Thanks A Lot' 2 hrs
'ID a mandolin ' 2 hrs
'1981 Gold Star GF-100' 3 hrs
