Can anyone tell me what I'm looking at here? Just picked it up in an antique window display. Thanks.
Edited by - toddhearon on 07/13/2026 09:56:44
Just from looking at the peghead, I'd say it was an inexpensive import, probably doesn't have a tone ring and has a tinny sound. I have an old one very similar to that one, it also has the star in the middle of the peghead. Probably not worth what you paid for it.
Please understand I could be wrong and others who are more experienced with banjos and their worth will probably give you better information.
quote:
Originally posted by TexasbanjoJust from looking at the peghead, I'd say it was an inexpensive import, probably doesn't have a tone ring and has a tinny sound. I have an old one very similar to that one, it also has the star in the middle of the peghead. Probably not worth what you paid for it.
Please understand I could be wrong and others who are more experienced with banjos and their worth will probably give you better information.
Thanks. There's the number "45" stamped into the inside of the pot's wooden rim, if that offers any clues.
Import from NYC, lol.
Post 1900 jobber banjo, made to a very low price point. Generally believed to have been made by Lange in NYC. Similar banjos have been labeled "Supertone" and sold by Sears & Roebuck, those have a paper label (which can fall off). Without the label there is no telling what jobber sold it.
Sadly, 1920s low end banjos are still low end banjos, made of substandard materials. They can be made to play and could be fun but will never be great.
The number is likely a factory batch number to keep the parts together during production. You might find this scratched or stamped on various parts.
If there is still time, you might want to set it back down in the store window and keep walking.
What Joel says. He knows his old banjos!
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