Banjo make and year

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Apr 18, 2025 - 5:47:26 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

This is a banjo that I came across which has no markings on it. Would anyone know what make and year it is?

Edited by - Peter C on 04/29/2025 19:14:16

Apr 18, 2025 - 5:49:33 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

Sorry. Having trouble posting multiple photos

Apr 18, 2025 - 6:01:26 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

sorry having challenges getting these photos uploaded. first time

Apr 18, 2025 - 6:10:36 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

I have photos in an album but cant figure out how to get them on post. aargh

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Apr 18, 2025 - 6:12:29 AM

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manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

photos

Apr 18, 2025 - 6:13:36 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

does anyone know make or model of this banjo

Apr 18, 2025 - 8:12:24 AM

A Drum On A Stick

Canada

327 posts since 1/7/2021

I don't know the answer, but good work on the images. This site takes a bit of work to figure out.

I'm sure you'll get some answers soon.

The other image people frequently request for ID purposes is one of the back side with the resonator removed. There can be identifying marks on the dowel stick, or inside the rim.

I'm not sure if that's required here, or if one of the pros will find it easy to ID.

Apr 18, 2025 - 9:45:36 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

Thanks so much for your reply

Apr 21, 2025 - 6:18:56 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

Here i another photo with the back off

Apr 21, 2025 - 6:20:22 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

Any idea of make or model? There are no markings on the banjo

thanks

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Apr 29, 2025 - 5:10:57 PM

Dan Gellert

USA

2668 posts since 2/9/2007

I just asked the moderators to move this thread to the Collectors' Corner. You'll get plenty of info there!

Apr 30, 2025 - 4:14:16 AM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

Thanks so much Dan

Apr 30, 2025 - 1:17:49 PM

Dan Gellert

USA

2668 posts since 2/9/2007

Since no one else has taken a guess....
It's a tenor banjo, probably of 1920's vintage, maybe 30's. A step or two above the cheapest grade, but a very long way from a pro-level instrument. Set up correctly, it should be quite playable, and looks in very good cosmetic shape, but similar banjos are quite common, and there isn't a lot of demand for tenors-- IOW, it's not worth much money.

It could have been made by Slingerland, Gretsch, or one of 2 or 3 other possible manufacturers, and distributed under any one of dozens of "brand" names, and sold through mail order or local dealers. Somebody out there will recognize the peghead shape, decorations, etc. and will know more about it. There are scans of old catalogs posted various places online, and you may well be able to find it there. Besides Sears & Roebuck, and Montgomery Ward, look for musical wholesalers' catalogs-- Bruno, Lyon&Healy, etc.

Apr 30, 2025 - 1:40:54 PM

manleywl

USA

11 posts since 7/6/2014

thanks so much for your time

Apr 30, 2025 - 2:29:17 PM

1 person likes this

Bill Rogers

USA

28658 posts since 6/25/2005

If the shell diameter is 10 3/4", that would suggest Slingerland. Dan covered the rest very well.

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