Bought a 1920's Supertone Dixie Wonder Five String at a recent guitar show. Upon examination,
four of the brackets had been replaced sometime in the distant past with Civil War Shield Brackets.
Friend of mine seems to think that the four brackets may be worth more than the banjo itself.
Curious as to comments regarding rarity? History?
Those brackets aren't Civil War era. They were sold in catalogues from the 1880s through the early 1900s.
Edited by - csacwp on 03/23/2025 03:35:57
That style of bracket has no connection to the civil war, beyond general iconography. They were offered for sale into the early 20th century.
Worth maybe $15-$20 each to the right person.
Looks like someone had to take a hammer to the side of the rim to get them to fit...
quote:
Originally posted by dtgolderLooks like someone had to take a hammer to the side of the rim to get them to fit...
The cheap galvanized cladding on these tend to crush and deform just from existing. Most of these do not have the cladding extending over the top of rim so the head pulls against it and crushes it.
Yeah, looks like just by using those brackets they crushed the cladding in those places. I wonder why they are there at all, as I don't think the cheap hex brackets tend to fail much. And these banjos have too many brackets anyway (s/b 30). Perhaps an aborted "upgrade" gone South. Also should have "both edges spun over wire".
