Weymann Style 85 Model Tenor Banjo (1929), made in Philadelphia, PA, natural lacquer with decal applique finish, laminated walnut neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This Weymann Style 85 is one of the "integral rim/resonator" models that made up the company's lower priced but still professional-grade line in the late 1920's. Weymann's original Megaphonic Orchestra model banjos are some of the most beautiful and elegant tenor and plectrum banjos ever created; the company's challenge was how to keep the same qualities in a lower priced instrument. Their solution was to use a molded rim-made of compressed wood fibers-mounted directly to the resonator which is laminated wood. Much of the hardware is the same as on the higher-priced Weymann models, and the overall appearance is similar but these instruments sold at considerably lower prices. The Style 85, introduced in 1928 was originally priced at $85.00, just over half the price of a Megaphonic Style A (the lowest grade in the Orchestra line).
Despite its budget constraints this is a very well-made banjo, with Weymann's customary quality and attention to detail evident. The neck is two-piece walnut with a center ebony centerstripe and a single-bound rosewood fingerboard inlaid with shaped pearl. The headstock overlay carries a "Weymann" logo of individually inlaid celluloid letters. The resonator is walnut with wide celluloid binding on the both edges and decal decoration on the back and side. Overall this is a very classy banjo at a reasonable price, in 1929 or today!
Overall length is 34 1/4 in. (87 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.). Generally Excellent Condition.
