Mystic Model 5 String Banjo, made by Lyon & Healy, c. 1895, made in Chicago, natural finish, spunover rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
Overall length is 33 3/4 in. (85.7 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). A very nice player, very well preserved and original except for newer (1970's style) geared tuners, a plastic head and recent bridge. There is light wear overall but the plating has worn areas but still shows a nice shine. The elegant original hooks & nuts and the lovely engraved tailpiece (patent date 1887) are still intact. This banjo remains amazingly clean for being well over 100 years old. A cool and attractive 19th century openback 5-string, fairly loud and bright sounding for its era. Excellent - Condition.
