can anyone assist with identifing this instrument and if it has value, please
You should get those pictures into your post. There's no time limit on editing your original post to do this.
Does it have value? Looks in pretty good shape—skin head and adjusting mechanism are intact, only one of the Champion pegs is missing so, yes, someone will want it if it were to appear on the marketplace. How much? Very hard to say since I am not in the market at the moment.
One thing I recommend is to put a drop of penetrating oil on each of those screw threads to break up and rust or corrosion. I spray a little WD40 into the cap and apply with a toothpick or Q-Tip. One drop is all that's needed as it will creep to where needed—leave it 24-48 hours before attempting any adjustment.
Unless someone chimes in with knowledge of who made it, I'd go to this site, look through the ads, tab between the years and see if anything stands out as a possibility.
Similar tuners are still being made but finding a single replacement may be possible. Removing the center screw and laying out a parts explosion will help. It looks like a Champion but the knobs are smaller than I am used to — may just be the picture. Something like this but of one of your tuners so we can get a good look. Also, the thickness of your headstock.
Edited by - mikehalloran on 04/18/2025 12:44:35
I've seen this type of banjo uke sold as "Rolando".
Google thinks it is an Oscar Schmidt.
google.com/search?source=lns.w...kPyLWIgAo
Rolando looks correct to me.
Edited by - Maurice McMurry on 04/19/2025 04:29:56
I strongly recommend you post the pictures directly to this forum. Though they are on your media page, making them easily accessible on this page will get you more replies.
When you (and only you) view this page, you can scroll down to an attachments box that has your media photos. click on each one and they will appear in "your attachments" box. Then click post reply.
Very simple and much more convenient for us that have sucky internet connections.
Bob Smakula
I have a couple of them. Upon posting to BHO, I was told that they are called "Rolando" by Sandstrom. I was also told that some of the wood is redwood. One of mine is playable, and has the original cardboard case. The instrument is inserted from the back of the case. Twenties or maybe Thirties.
