Make: J. E. Thomas

Model: Dulcimer

Crca: 1910

Serial Number: Label missing

Measurements: 27 7/8" string length; 5 3/4" lower bout; 4 5/8" upper bout.

Condition: Fair

Description

James Edward "Uncle Ed'" Thomas lived on Big Doubles Creek in Knott County, Kentucky. He was born in 1850 and is assumed to have made around 1500 dulcimers. He was a friend of my father, Mal Gibson, who helped bury him in an unmarked grave in 1933. This instrument was bought from Uncle Ed by Henry Neace of Letcher County, Kentucky ca. 1910. I have been researching the life of Uncle Ed for about 40 years.

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Make: Gibson

Model: TB-2

Crca: 1935

Serial Number: 20-23

Measurements: 11" head, 26+" scale

Condition: Excellent

Description

This ca. 1935 Gibson TB-2 Tenor banjo has a 5-string neck made by Bob White. Mr. White inlaid decorative wood, similar to that of a Gibson Deluxe, on the back of the peg head. A previous owner had a new burl walnut resonator installed. However, the original walnut resonator is in my possession along with the tenor neck and all original parts. They are in excellent condition. This banjo has its original tone ring. This is a stunning banjo that is appropriate for both bluegrass and old time picking.

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Make: Gibson

Model: LG-1

Crca: 1949/50

Serial Number: 4950 32

Measurements: 14 1/4" Wide, 24 3/4" Scale

Condition: Near Excellent

Selling Price: $1,650.00

Description

This guitar has the original tuners; however, the buttons appear to have been replaced. The buttons on these tuners shrivel as they age, so replacement buttons are common. The guitar has a few minor blemishes and the center seam is faintly visible on the lower bout below the bridge, but this does not appear to be a separation. The overall appearance is great and the guitar plays beautifully.

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Make: Gibson

Model: HG-22

Crca: 1930/31

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 14 5/8" Wide, 24 3/4" Scale

Condition: Very Good

Selling Price: $4,500.00

Description

This is a rare Gibson model manufactured when companies were aspiring for a bigger sound. Although "HG" gives this guitar has a Hawaiian designation, it has a round neck and can be played as a regular guitar. The guitar has four f holes and a round hole typical in Gibson flat tops. There is an extra rim inside the body, which gives it a distinctive sound. The guitar is loud and sounds more like a resonator guitar than a regular acoustic. The few guitars I have seen of this model and the related HG-20 and HG-24 models have been in terrible shape or have been totally refinished. This guitar is in very good condition, but has some playing wear. The tuners are not original. Has a hard case.

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Make: Gibson

Model: Mastertone Special Guitar

Crca: Late 1930s

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 14 3/4" wide, 24 1/2" scale

Condition: Near Excellent

Description

This guitar is in the original soft case and is in great condition. This guitar is the equivalent of the Kalamazoo KG-11

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Make: Gibson

Model: Mastertone Deluxe

Crca: 1925

Serial Number: 8227-8

Measurements: 11" head, 26+" scale

Condition: Very Good

Description

This 1925 Mastertone Deluxe began life as a tenor banjo. It has a reproduction 5-string neck built many years ago by Frank Neat. It is accompanied by the original tenor neck and an original Gibson 5-string case ca. 1930. The banjo has the original ball bearing tone ring and is a wonderful player for both old time and bluegrass banjo.

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Make: Unknown

Model: Unknown

Crca: 1935

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 13 3/4" wide, 24" scale

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $1,150.00

Description

Imitation pearl was used by many companies in the 1930s. This is an excellent example of this type of guitar. It is near perfect and plays wonderfully. The matching fingerboard and pick guard, along with fancy binding, provide a stunning visual effect.

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Make: Vega

Model: Imperial Electric Guitar Banjo

Crca: 1926

Serial Number: 70894

Measurements: 11 13/16" Head, 25 1/2" Scale

Condition: Near Excellent

Selling Price: $2,500.00

Description

This Imperial Electric Vega guitar-banjo could use some cleaning but is otherwise all original and in near excellent condition. I It has the snug pie sectioned resonator and is in the original case. This is the perfect banjo for those who want the old-time guitar-banjo sound.

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Make: Vega

Model: Tubaphone # 3

Crca: 1925

Serial Number: 65106

Measurements: 11 13/16" Head, 28" Scale

Condition: Very Good

Selling Price: $2,650.00

Description

This banjo has only 20 frets to compensate for the 28" scale - this was common on this size Vega banjo. This makes the 28" scale play much easier to play. The peg head had two holes drilled, presumably for the Scruggs style bluegrass tuners. These holes have been tastefully plugged. The heel carving is excellent, however, the neck may have been over sprayed. This banjo plays wonderfully and sounds great. The metal parts are near excellent, and the banjo has old Grover geared tuners. The tailpiece is of the period, so I left it in place. Has a hard case.

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Make: Fairbanks

Model: Special Electric # 1

Crca: 1898

Serial Number: 18608

Measurements: 10 3/4" Head, 19 1/2" Scale

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $3,750.00

Description

This model Fairbanks is rarely seen as a banjeaurine. The banjo is in a period case, and is in excellent condition. The Eleanor D. Son patented tailpiece is stamped "Pat Mar 6, 1894," and may be original to the banjo. There are some typical separation lines in the pear wood overlay on the peg head; otherwise, the banjo is in near mint condition.

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Make: Fairbanks

Model: Upgraded Little Wonder Rim?

Crca: 1970s

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 11" Head, 26 3/4" Scale

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $4,750.00

Description

The rim of this banjo may have been a Vega Little Wonder upgraded with a Whyte Laydie tone ring and figured maple veneers. The neck was made by John Greven in the 1970s. Mr. Greven is well known for his fine guitars: www.grevenguitars.com .The Fairbanks style inlays are wonderfully engraved and the detailed heel carving is beautiful. The neck is a little wider at the nut, which makes noting easier, and the extra wood gives the banjo great sustain. This banjo has the deep old time sound favored by modern players.

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Make: Wm. Schmick

Model: Lyric

Crca: 1920

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 10 5/8" Rim - 7 3/8" inset head.

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $750.00

Description

William O. Schmick made banjos in Camden, NJ. He was issued a patent for his special banjo rim in 1916. It is believed the necks, and perhaps the rims, were made by the Vega Company. The tailpiece cover is missing from this banjo. It has the original hard case.

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Make: Washburn by Lyon and Healy

Model: Deluxe

Crca: 1930

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 14 1/8" wide, 24 1/2" scale

Condition: Very Good

Selling Price: $4,500.00

Description

A wooden tag inside proclaims this guitar is a "Genuine Washburn" and that Tonk Bros. Co. is the "Sole Distributor." The guitar is X braced and has a wonderful sound. It has gold plated and engraved tuners with pearl buttons, rosewood back and sides, spruce top with original gold leaf decoration and herringbone trim. This is a stunning and rare guitar with minor playing wear.

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Make: E. Blanchette

Model: Collegian

Crca: 1933

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 11" head, 22 3/4" scale

Condition: Near Mint

Selling Price: $6,500.00

Description

E. Blanchette applied for patents 2,064,516 and 2,048,592 in 1931 and was granted the patents in 1936. The banjo has "Patented Pat's Pending" engraved on the back of the resonator, so I assume this stunning banjo was made around 1933. Mr. Bernunzio of Bernunzio Vintage Instruments once told me a German collector had a similar banjo. I have never heard of another. The workmanship on this banjo is excellent and the neck appears to be the type of work done by Bacon and Day. All parts are gold plated and the flange and the tubes supporting the tone ring are also engraved. The gold plated planet tuners appear to be original. The inlays are decorated with various pleasing designs, and the heel carving is very unusual. Altogether, this is a beautiful and most unusual banjo in near mint condition.

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Make: Fairbanks & Cole

Model: Imperial

Crca: 1884

Serial Number: 4308

Measurements: 11 1/2" Head, 27" Scale

Condition: Very Good

Selling Price: $2,750.00

Description

This unusual Fairbanks & Cole Imperial model banjo has flush ivory frets and ivoroid tuners. The inlays are tasteful and unusual. The tail piece appears to be of the period. The finish is a little dull, but could be spruced up with some polish. The metal parts are in good condition and appear to be original. This is the perfect banjo for someone wanting a fretless banjo with the old time Fairbanks sound.

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Make: Possibly Pennsylvania Dutch

Model: Sheitholt

Crca: 1800/1850

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 33" Long, String length 24 1/2" to 25 1/4" from 1st to 4th, body is about 2" on a side

Condition: Very Good

Description

I bought this instrument from Fred Oster at Vintage Instruments in Philadelphia around 30 years ago. Gordon Dow, who had a booth at Renningers Antique Market in Adamstown, Pennsylvania, during that time frame stayed a night or two with me in Florida while attending the Orlando Guitar show. He saw this instrument and said he had found it in the Adamstown area and sold it to Mr. Oster. This instrument has some decorative touches and the Pennsylvania Dutch hearts are beautiful. It is made from American Tulip Poplar, and the seams are nearly invisible. I assume it was made in the early 1800s in northern Virginia or Pennsylvania. The mountain dulcimer is an American instrument descended from the sheitholt. Sheitholts have frets on their body, while the mountain dulcimer has a raised fret board.

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Make: Fairbanks

Model: Electric

Crca: 1896

Serial Number: 15391

Measurements: 10 1/2" head, 26" scale

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $1,750.00

Description

This is an 1896 Fairbanks Electric rim with a reproduction 5-string neck. The neck is figured maple with an excellent heel carving. The engraved inlays are also excellent. However, the maker is unknown. This a visually striking banjo that plays beautifully and sounds great. The 10 1/2" head and 26" scale is a preferred size among many old time banjo players.

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Make: Bacon

Model: ff Professional

Crca: 1907

Serial Number: 176

Measurements: 26" scale, 10 3/4" head

Condition: Excellent

Description

This Bacon ff Professional banjo has a neck made by the Vega Company. This instrument has a wonderful sound, as do most Bacon banjos. I have several other Bacon 5 string banjos.

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Make: Bacon

Model: ff Professional Banjeaurine

Crca: 1906

Serial Number: 75

Measurements: 10 3/4" Head, 20 3/4" Scale

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $3,500.00

Description

This is a rare Bacon ff Professional Banjeaurine in excellent condition. The metal parts are all original, including the No Knot tailpiece. The serial # 75 places it very early in the series of Vega made ff Professional banjos. The overlay on the peg head is not pear wood. It may have been replaced.

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Make: Gibson

Model: Century

Crca: 1935

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 26" long, 10" wide

Condition: Very good

Selling Price: $4,250.00

Description

This is a rare Mid-thirties Gibson Century of Progress model mandolin with OHSC. The pearloid fingerboard is inset with rosewood, which is inset with pearl. Remarkable sound. OHSC.

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Make: Gibson

Model: Style O Artist

Crca: 1914

Serial Number: 18511

Measurements: 24 3/4" scale; 16" wide lower bout; 39" long.

Condition: Excellent and all original. Has 1/2" piece of binding replaced and some small nicks on top.

Selling Price: $7,000.00

Description

The Gibson Style O Artist guitar was featured in the early mandolin bands. There is a well known photograph of Big Bill Broonzy playing a Style O. This guitar is in great condition and is over ninety years old. All original with original HSC.

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Make: S.S. Stewart

Model: Peanut Ukulele

Crca: 1925

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 21" total length

Condition: Excellent

Selling Price: $1,500.00

Description

This is a rare S. S. Stewart peanut mandolin. It has the blue New York label inside the body and a pearloid label attached to the back of the peg head. "Pat. Pend." Is stamped on the back of the peg head.

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Make: Unknown

Model: Unknown

Crca: 1840

Serial Number: Unknown

Measurements: 24 3/4" scale; 12" lower bout; 37 1/2" long.11 3/4" widest part, 24 1/4 neck

Condition: Very good; has some small cracks in the top.

Description

This is most likely a German guitar.It has flamed maple back and sides; a spruce top; an ice cream cone heel; a clock work mechanism for adjusting the neck; and a Stauffer style peg head. The neck is painted black. The metal keys are covered with a large engraved plate on the back of the peg head. There are multiple wood purflings on the top and bottom of the body. The inlays are very pretty.

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Make: Unknown

Model: Unknown

Crca: 1900

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 5" Head; 13" scale; 20" Long

Condition: Very good

Description

This small 5-string banjo is possibly a salesman's sample.

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Make: Unknown

Model: Unknown

Crca: 1900

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 36" long; 17 frets; 7" wide at lower bout; 6 1/8" at upper bout; 3 strings; vibrating string length 28 9/16"

Condition: Good

Description

This is an unusual dulcimer from the southeastern Ohio/West Virginia area. It has painted red binding and 4 red flowers painted beside the sound hole hearts. There is a small heart in strum cavity and small round hole in the fingerboard between 2nd and 3rd frets. The hand carved keys appear to be original.

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Make: German /American

Model: Sheitholt

Crca: 1850

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 31 1/2" long; 15 frets; 5 1/2" wide at lower bout; 8 strings; vibrating string length 25".

Condition: Good

Description

This German-American sheitholt was bought at an auction in Virginia. (The American dulcimer was patterened after the German sheitholt.) It was a consignment by Roddy Moore. Germans settled in the mountains very early and possibly brought sheitholts with them. They also made sheitholts from American wood: this instrument is made from American tulip poplar and painted black.

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Make: Knutsen

Model: Harp Guitar

Crca: 1915 / 1920

Serial Number: None

Measurements: 24 3/4" Scale, 15" wide lower bout; 39" long. 4 harp strings & 6 strings in pick guard position.

Condition: Very good. Small, neat repair on back of body below neck joint & one repaired crack on top.

Selling Price: $4,750.00

Description

This rare Knutsen harp guitar has the strange sypmpathetic strings in the pick guard position. The original Knutsen label is inside; it has illustrations of some of Knutsen's instruments. This instrument plays easily and sounds great; however, I haven't figured out what to do with the six short strings.

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Make: Cole

Model: Eclipse

Crca: 1895/1900

Serial Number: 4393

Measurements: 27" scale; 10 7/8" head; 36 1/2: long

Condition: Excellent

Description

This is a Coles Eclipse rim with a 5-string neck by Douglas Unger, an accomplished instrument builder, carver and engraver. The heel has a fine carving and the stunning inlays are based upon those from various Cole banjos. The neck has a little more wood, which gives the banjo nice sustain and a great old-time sound.

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Make: Unknown

Model: Unknown

Crca: 1890

Serial Number: $instrument.serial_number

Measurements: 10 3/4" head; 26" scale; 34" long

Condition: Excellent and all original.

Description

I call this 5-string banjo "The Pearl." The dowel stick has a pearl label reading: "STRATTON & HANDLEY, 1890, LOWELL MASS." Stratton and Handley was a large music store. This banjo was most likely made by a New York maker. The fingerboard has white pearl between the frets, inset with a more colorful type of shell. My father had a banjo of this type in our smoke house ca. 1950. It was in sad shape, and had most of the pearl missing; however, my father's banjo was lost. I searched for years for another. I recently found two that are identical; however, the twin to this banjo does not have the pearl label.

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