Luscomb Style #7 Model Banjeaurine, made by Thompson & Odell, c. 1890, made in Boston, Mass., serial # 2639, natural finish, metal rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black gig bag case.
Well into the 21st century "Luscomb" is one of those half-forgotten names known only to vintage 5-string afficionados. He was a teacher and designer in Boston in the 1880s who had his own banjo ideas, a not uncommon proposition in that age of invention. Luscomb's rim concept was unique; reversing the standard "modern" design of a metal tone ring over a wooden rim, his patented rim used a wooden tone ring inserted into a turned metal rim. He claimed this "produces a most wonderful tone" and who are we to disagree! This banjo conforms to is the earlier of two styles Luscomb patented, so was built between 1888 and the early '90s.
The instrument bears Luscomb's August, 1888 patent date and address in Boston on the dowel plate: 523 Washington street. This was actually the retail store of Thompson & Odell who marketed (and possible made) them. All Luscomb banjo are fairly rare, this Banjeurine even more so. Originally they were meant to be tuned to a higher pitch to play melody parts in the banjo ensembles of the 1890s while retaining the mellower tone of a full-size head. This one has by most standards an *oversized* head, measuring more than 13" in diameter giving a very deep sound indeed.
Thompson & Odell offered three grades of Luscomb Banjeurines; this is the "#7" model. This is a very high-quality instrument, even though not especially fancy. It is built on the patented metal rim with wooden tone ring and has a nice one-piece mahogany neck. The ebony fingerboard is decorated with small shaped pearl pieces, the headstock is plain but cut to a distinctive shape. The Champion friction tuners are standard for the time, also bearing an 1888 patent date. The proprietary dowel adjustment system is fairly sophisticated for the time, and quite effective.
Banjeurines from any maker are often played or even seen today, having gone extinct before WWI. They are considerably rarer than their full-scale banjo siblings in any case. This is a really fine if obscure example, a lovely piece of Boston banjo history and just a fun instrument to play.
Overall length is 29 1/8 in. (74 cm.), 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm.) diameter head, and 2 in. (5.1 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.).
This instrument is in extremely fine cosmetic and playing condition, considering it is at least 120 years old. The finish and plating are in beautiful shape with only some very light wear; the banjo has no structural issues. The hardware is original and complete (including an original elite tailpiece) except for one closely matched hook and nut. The skin head is solid, very old with one small wormhole that is not going anywhere. Set up with NylGut strings this Luscomb is an excellent player with a lovely, amazingly deep lush sound for a short-scale instrument. It resides in a modern gig bag. Overall Excellent Condition.
