One of the most interesting and unusual American folk instruments we have ever encountered�this is a banjo-violin hybrid, handmade with considerable skill and ingenuity. The rim is thin wood bent to shape over an iron frame about 1/2" deep just under the head, with 10 conventional late 19th century banjo hook and shoe assemblies mounted along the edge. The uniquely shaped brass hoop is nicely fabricated, complete with an inner groove for hook alignment. The neck is hand carved, with a na�ve but well-proportioned scroll and what look to be period commercial pegs and possibly fingerboard.
The neck is attached via an extended dowel stick that also holds the tailpiece loop, in the style of 19th century minstrel banjos. A thin flat piece of wood arched across the top of the instrument just under the skin head holds the arch of the top and gives the bridge a solid resting surface. Inside the rim is a penciled marking "Sept 27th 1911" and an initial or signature that is illegible. This instrument was the work of a skilled, if eccentric, craftsman and is of considerable historical interest.
Overall length is 25 in. (63.5 cm.), 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 1/2 in. (343 mm.).
Appears all original; has seen some use, but generally well-preserved. There is an old patch to the original skin head but no other evident repair or alteration. Excellent Condition.
