Details
30 original brackets, matching tailpiece hanger. Nice matching engraved bone pegs and tailpiece. Tailpiece stamped "Pat. 9-21-86" (of course tailpiece could have been changed but we doubt it). There is no serial number.
Note that upper portion of one of the rectangular string-hanger "studs" of the tailpiece is broken, but the grooved bar at the front is an excellent string anchor. The lower edge of the grooved tension hoop has about five dents, presumably from someone having trouble removing it years ago. Frets appear to be original and thanks to gut (later nylon) strings those frets have almost zero wear. Finish appears to be original, however the finish on the headstock facing looks too good to be true so we're assuming at least that surface was French-polished years ago. Although its current outer coloring is a bit odd, the skin head on this banjo was nicely fitted so we left it alone. Neck is remarkably straight.
Specs
-
Binding
none
-
Fingerboard
Ebony w/ 16" Radius
-
Finish
original shellac varnish
-
Frets to body
18
-
Inlay
snail shell
-
Neck material
Mahogany
-
Neck shape
rounded V
-
Nut width
1 1/4"
-
Scale length
27"
-
Total frets
18
-
Tuners
original bone friction pegs
-
Year
1889
-
Diameter
11 1/2"
-
Shell
black wood
-
Tone ring
simple
-
Case type
Hardshell
-
Serial number
no serial number
-
SKU
FAIIMPERIAL-142238
-
UPC
142238
