***more pictures below description***

GEO. P. MATTHEW

FOR ERIC GRAHAM & CO

ANTIQUE BANJO

This is a vintage London made, classic open-back 5-string, 30 hook/tensioner banjo with11\" metal chrome plated pot. Measures a total length of 35\" including hardware. Button on back of headstock saysEric Graham & Co. London. Stamped/embossed/carved under strut it says Geo. P . Matthew; there is also a 3 stamped near Matthew\'s name and also a 3in the wood lining the pot.

Estate find; had only the fifth string; no bridge. This banjo is inoverall goodcondition for being (at least) 100 years old. It still retains some of it\'s original hardware, but not sure what is original for sure. Has 3 of the same tuners on headstock and similar but not exact 5th string tuner. The odd one on headstock is broken.The tailpiece is ivoroid or bone. It has an engraved metal piece (not sure what that\'s for) on upper/bottom pot. It is missing around 14 hooks (currently assembled with every other hole occupied plus one) and there are slight differences between some of thehooks and anchorspresent.

Ithas a velum animal skin head that is stained but in pretty good condition. Neck seems straigh with no issues I can see; there is a burl in the wood neck that is natural and does not appear is causing any weakening. The fret board is worn but I believe will play ok (I have not put strings on itto test it). Rosewood neck (I think) with Ebony fretboard inlaid MOP dots. 20 Frets. Neck length including nut to pot is 18 7/8\". Pot rim on top across skin is 11.5\", under pot is just under 11\".

The pot shows corrosion and wear and some small dents. The wood lining looks to be in good condition with just a bit splintering off the top layer in one spot. Not sure what the metal arrow looking brace is called on strut inside pot, but I believe there would have been another piece of metal against the inside of pot to tighten neck but that is missing. Comes with 2 anchors and 1 hook loose.

Selling as is forrestoration or parts.

GREAT ITEM, GREAT COLLECTIBLE!

Japanese Buyer Assistant