Banjeaurine, labeled Wm. A. Pond & Co. , c. 1890
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Item # 6576
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Banjeaurine, labeled Wm. A. Pond & Co., c. 1890, made in New York City, natural finish, spunover rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
This interesting Banjeurine was made in New York sometime around 1890, most likely by the Buckbee factory who supplied the bulk of banjos issued in this region. This one is unusually fancy for a Buckbee instrument, with inlaid pearl and metal designs in the headstock and fingerboard and an etched desicn on the hoop. It is lstamped for Wm. Pond & Co., an old-line New York jobber and the successor to the better known Firth & Pond. Banjeurines (short-necked, higher tuned banjos with a large head) were the invention of S.S. Stewart, and New York made examples are fairly rare. We have never seen another one like this, quite unlike the more common Stewart-made instruments but equally charming in its own way.
Overall length is 29 in. (73.7 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 19 1/2 in. (495 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). Some general wear but overall well preserved for an instrument of this vintage. There is a old solid and inconspicuous heel repair with some attendant overfinish up to the headstock; the fingerboard extension was also re-attached at the same time. The rim appears to have been cleaned but still has a nice patina. The hooks and unplated brass nuts appear more recent but are in a period-correct style and harmonize well with the instrument's character. This is a very playable banjo with a nice sweet tone. Very Good + Condition.
This interesting Banjeurine was made in New York sometime around 1890, most likely by the Buckbee factory who supplied the bulk of banjos issued in this region. This one is unusually fancy for a Buckbee instrument, with inlaid pearl and metal designs in the headstock and fingerboard and an etched desicn on the hoop. It is lstamped for Wm. Pond & Co., an old-line New York jobber and the successor to the better known Firth & Pond. Banjeurines (short-necked, higher tuned banjos with a large head) were the invention of S.S. Stewart, and New York made examples are fairly rare. We have never seen another one like this, quite unlike the more common Stewart-made instruments but equally charming in its own way.
Overall length is 29 in. (73.7 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 19 1/2 in. (495 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). Some general wear but overall well preserved for an instrument of this vintage. There is a old solid and inconspicuous heel repair with some attendant overfinish up to the headstock; the fingerboard extension was also re-attached at the same time. The rim appears to have been cleaned but still has a nice patina. The hooks and unplated brass nuts appear more recent but are in a period-correct style and harmonize well with the instrument's character. This is a very playable banjo with a nice sweet tone. Very Good + Condition.