Civil War Period 5-String, Open Back Banjo with Patriotic Shields on Brass Tension Brackets

SOLD

Civil War Period 5-String, Open Back Banjo with Patriotic Shields on Brass Tension Brackets – This is a fine example of an instrument that was ever-present in Civil War camps, both Union and Confederate. The neck on this banjo evidences attempts by someone to designate frets, long after its original use; originally, the neck would have been fretless. The backside of the neck exhibits distinct rubbing to the finish, indicative of the instrument having been heavily played. As with most authentic, war period banjos, there are only a limited number of tension brackets; in this case there are only six. Each of these brass brackets is affixed to the side of the head by crudely cast, brass nuts on the outside and inside of the head; the exterior of each tension rod, rests atop brass, patriotic shields. The skin head, which is probably sheepskin, is old, but may not be the original; it has been somewhat crudely stretched over the rim, tacked down and held in place by an iron ring and the tension brackets. The wood appears to be maple. There is only one, hand-carved tuning key remaining and no strings or bridge. The banjo remains in excellent condition. Most period banjos we see, postdate the Civil War; this example is definitively war period.

Measurements: Overall Length – 33.5”; Head diameter – 12”