Hey there experts! Recently acquired this cool 1870s(?) Dobson, probably Buckbee built top tension banjo.
This one has an integrated flange with metal lip where the skin sits. The top tension hoop is engraved metal.
I can’t find another example like it online and hoping someone could shed a little light. Thanks all!
Jim
…the only marking is roman numeral XIII carved on the dowel and inside resonator.
Any idea which Dobson brother?
Hey Bill! I’m assuming Henry?
Sadly, I am unaware of any serious or supported info on these various Henry Dobson Closed Back Banjos. I was hoping that Kyle Vanmeter would answer the call, since he did some fantastic hands on data collection on tooling marks and fabrication details of the nickel rim banjos.
The "Buckbee made it" claim, in so much applied to the CBB, might be based in a loose and non-critical or lazy reading of Albert Baur's letter about "banjo factories". As far as I can tell, there has never been any claim or documented support that Buckbee made the Henry Dobson CBB.
It is likely that Henry himself made the earliest versions of these. All that passed through Henry's hands would have been clearly marked, by stamp or engraving on the metal. No markings, no "Dobson".
Henry eventually sold the "rights" to Martin Brothers Guitars (not the same as C.F.). And it would be easy to conclude that Martin Brothers manufactured all of the production Henry Dobson CBBs in every version.
Due to the construction, a guitar factory would be much better equipped to make these.
Thanks so much Joel.
That would make sense since there are no markings save the “13”.
Do you know how late this style of construction went? It seems to have appointments similar to parlor banjos (frets, inlay). I’m wondering if it might be 1880s.
where is it labeled dobson?
It’s not labeled Dobson, the only markings are two Roman numeral “13”s.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
