5 String Fretless Banjo, probably Buckbee, c. 1880, made in New York City, natural finish, spunover rim, mahogany neck, black gig bag case.
This is an interesting late 19th century banjo, looking very much like a New York Buckbee factory instrument with some particularly attractive cosmetic detailing. The fingerboard and headstock face are ornamented with some lovely inlaid colored wood marquetry in very Victorian floral designs. This is fairly unusual for banjos of this period, if not unheard of and makes for a beautiful if understated display piece compared to the more common pearl inlaid instruments.
Apart from the decorative elements this is a fairly standard 1880s spunover rim banjo with an 11" head secured by 16 curved hooks and square nuts mounted through the earlier style circular shoes. The very slim "U" profile neck with an acutely angled back block-shaped peghead is a typical Buckbee/Dobson trademark; although the banjo carries no markings it is most likely a product of Buckbee's New York factory. The rounded heel shape, and the dowel extending out behind the rim with the tailpiece secured by a gut string also mark this as likely an earlier circa 1880 instrument.
This is a fully playable antique, set up with wooden violin pegs, an older skin head and strung with Nylgut strings; this was not intended as a steel string banjo. It has a lovely delicate sound with more depth than one might expect, a truly delightful period piece.
Overall length is 34 in. (86.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 in. (610 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/32 in. (31 mm.).
For being at least 140 years old this banjo remains fully playable in completely functional condition. There is a lightly aged patina and general wear overall but really this is a very solid instrument for its age with no structural issues. Some fairly heavy overfinish was added to the headstock and fingerboard long ago to protect the marquetry; the headstock veneer suffered some flaking prior to this but the treatment has left it solid if a bit shinier than it was originally. The rest of the neck finish is surprisingly clean with some old dings and scratches while the plating has general wear, especially on the outside of the rim and hoop. . The instrument appears largely original; the tailpiece with a pearl inlaid tulip decoration is a later handmade piece, while the bridge is modern. The ebony violin pegs are a matched set, old but not original but well fitted. The banjo is set up to play with a calfskin head with showing some cosmetic wear and Nylon strings; it sounds lovely. Very Good + Condition.
