We offer this very unusual banjo by the renowned maker William H. Dewick. Dewick was a well-respected teacher and an instrument maker in the Brooklyn, NY area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Known for quality work and innovative designs, Dewick made many tenor banjos and mandolin-banjos but only a small number of 5-string banjos. This one is a particularly rare design in that is has a raised fingerboard that actually extends over the pot. Other features include burled Maple pot w/ dark wood cap, marquetry on the outside and inside of the pot, Maple neck w dark heel cap, beautiful decorative MOP head-stock inlay and original Jos. Conrad skin head. This instrument is in good playable condition. There are some wear marks and small dings as would be expected as well as a small amount of chipped wood at the head-stock overlay (see photos). Then tuners are all original friction tuners. They currently hold tune but will need to be replaced soon. We have chosen to sell it in "all-original" condition. There is also a round metal cover in the case that can be attached to the back of the pot as a resonator, perhaps made by Elting or perhaps not. (See photos) We have left it in the case with the attachment screw as we do not feel it is necessary for the instrument.
Comes with older hard case, possibly original, in fair/worn but usable condition with all latches working.