I inherited an old banjo. George Washburn Serial number 2844. It needs a lot of work but it belonged to my great grandfather and has some sentimental value. I would like to know it's approximate age and if anyone has a recommendation repair information and part suppliers. Thanks, Bob
It's good that you had the prescience to upload an extensive portrait of your instrument.
quote:
Originally posted by tizmylifeI inherited an old banjo. George Washburn Serial number 2844. It needs a lot of work but it belonged to my great grandfather and has some sentimental value. I would like to know it's approximate age and if anyone has a recommendation repair information and part suppliers. Thanks, Bob
Looks like a very worthy project Bob. The rim size (diameter) would help identifying the model. The serial number I think would date it to around 1910. Try Bob Smakula for the missing parts.
Edited by - Stephen John Prior on 05/21/2025 00:33:56
I've never seen a Washburn serial number list, but your banjo should date to the late 1890's. I have serial number 2935 which resembles your banjo, but with fancy engraved inlays.
This BHO link has additional information on old Washburns: banjohangout.org/archive/299023
Smakula is a good site for vintage banjo parts. smakulafrettedinstruments.com/
quote:
Originally posted by TheLastWordI've never seen a Washburn serial number list, but your banjo should date to the late 1890's. I have serial number 2935 which resembles your banjo, but with fancy engraved inlays.
This BHO link has additional information on old Washburns: banjohangout.org/archive/299023
Smakula is a good site for vintage banjo parts. smakulafrettedinstruments.com/
With regard to my estimate of the year I'm just going on the information in the Hubert Pleijsier Washburn book.
quote:
Originally posted by Stephen John Priorquote:
Originally posted by TheLastWordI've never seen a Washburn serial number list, but your banjo should date to the late 1890's. I have serial number 2935 which resembles your banjo, but with fancy engraved inlays.
This BHO link has additional information on old Washburns: banjohangout.org/archive/299023
Smakula is a good site for vintage banjo parts. smakulafrettedinstruments.com/With regard to my estimate of the year I'm just going on the information in the Hubert Pleijsier Washburn book.
Cool and thanks. Does it have a good section on banjos?
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
quote:
Originally posted by TheLastWordquote:
Originally posted by Stephen John Priorquote:
Originally posted by TheLastWordI've never seen a Washburn serial number list, but your banjo should date to the late 1890's. I have serial number 2935 which resembles your banjo, but with fancy engraved inlays.
This BHO link has additional information on old Washburns: banjohangout.org/archive/299023
Smakula is a good site for vintage banjo parts. smakulafrettedinstruments.com/With regard to my estimate of the year I'm just going on the information in the Hubert Pleijsier Washburn book.
Cool and thanks. Does it have a good section on banjos?
There are about 38 pages pertaining to banjos plus some estimates about production and serial numbers.
