Hi,
This is my first post on this site. I'm trying to find information regarding my grandfather's banjo that recently came into my possession.
I've attached some photos, but with my limitted knowledge of the instrument generally, I can only gather that this was probably built in the late 1920s. I know he played pre-WW2 and that he bought it in Australia.
There are strings and some extra parts that are in the case, so I've added them in the photos in case they can help with anything.
I appreciate any info. Thanks.
Edited by - Tyson on 05/22/2025 18:17:50
This is an engineering treasure. I can't imagine the voice created by those 12 pipes in the center of the head.
I had a good look at those because I couldn't find anything similar on my web search. They look 'home made' and are held very firmly together by what looks like old paper clips.
Are the pipes touching the head or slightly below ? This is totally unique.
They sit off the head, at a guess, less than 5mm space.
Nice banjo to inherit. It's unusual to come across a wood rim Abbott. What is the rim diameter ?
Thanks. It's 11" diameter.
Edited by - Tyson on 05/23/2025 01:32:37
quote:
Originally posted by tdennisAre the pipes touching the head or slightly below ? This is totally unique.
The pipe-contraption was a marketed accessory that one could purchase. I can't imagine it did anything but act as a mute. This probably accounts for why they are rarely seen today.
Is there any chance you might be able to post more photos of the pipe thing? Different angles, how it is held in place, the top of it, etc.?
The "pipe contraption" is a rare WWII issue signal flare cartridge-holder. Aussie coast watchers mounted them in amongst various personal items to avoid detection.
One coaster drilled holes in the bottom of his guitar to mount the tubes...but it was knocked over during a drunken soiree and the flares all lit at once, launching the guitar off into the sea...
quote:
Originally posted by Joel HooksIs there any chance you might be able to post more photos of the pipe thing? Different angles, how it is held in place, the top of it, etc.?
Hi. I've taken a few more photos. (Hopefully they're attached.). There is a logo on one of the tubes that seems to be from a bycycle pump manufacturer. They are 7/8" in daimeter, roughly. And definitely looks to be held together with paperclips, apart from the welds you can see.
quote:
Originally posted by trapdoor2The "pipe contraption" is a rare WWII issue signal flare cartridge-holder. Aussie coast watchers mounted them in amongst various personal items to avoid detection.
One coaster drilled holes in the bottom of his guitar to mount the tubes...but it was knocked over during a drunken soiree and the flares all lit at once, launching the guitar off into the sea...
Hi. My understanding is that my grandfather was a gunner stationed, north of Fremantle is Western Australia, at the 'big guns', during WW2. So I think your comments are pretty interesting.
I've added a few more photos to a previous post of the tubes/pipes. They are roughly 7/8" in diameter. A quick google search tells me signal flares were larger than 7/8" in dia. at that time though.
I know nothing about ABBOT banjos and/or Aussie flare cartridges, but there are 308 OutHangers in Australia, but there are 308 OutHangers listed as being IN Australia AND having "HELPING" as one of their more likeable traits.
So, maybe one of them can help you get it into playable condition, and off you go!
Thursday was the birthday of my late great uncle, who gave me his old Slingerland, back in 1962 or so.
And what great adventures the banjo has taken me on!
Welcome to the HangOut, and welcome to the fun.
Ah, thanks, as expected, the tubes are not a commercial banjo accessory or part, it is cobbled together out of tire inflator pieces. If you plan on playing this you might want to remove them as I would think you are in for some buzzing.
quote:
Originally posted by Tysonquote:
Originally posted by trapdoor2The "pipe contraption" is a rare WWII issue signal flare cartridge-holder. Aussie coast watchers mounted them in amongst various personal items to avoid detection.
One coaster drilled holes in the bottom of his guitar to mount the tubes...but it was knocked over during a drunken soiree and the flares all lit at once, launching the guitar off into the sea...Hi. My understanding is that my grandfather was a gunner stationed, north of Fremantle is Western Australia, at the 'big guns', during WW2. So I think your comments are pretty interesting.
I've added a few more photos to a previous post of the tubes/pipes. They are roughly 7/8" in diameter. A quick google search tells me signal flares were larger than 7/8" in dia. at that time though.
Well, it wasn't a theory, just a but of fun. 
My father was a US Navy PBY pilot around New Guinea in 42-44. He and his crew took leave in a base North of Fremantle in 43. When he got mad during the 1968 elections, he told us we're moving to Oz if things don't work out!
So, a quick google search, and the tube thing was fabricated out of a cut up bicycle pump. I found images of several with the exact same markings.
I can’t help with value, but I think it’s a very cool banjo. I have seen several other Abbotts with a similar appeal. Yeah I would remove those tubes too.
