From 1855 to 1898, the S. S. Stewart company built banjos in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These were widely promoted and very popular instruments. Following the death of the founder in 1898, the firm failed but the rights to the name were purchased around 1914, and S. S. Stewart instruments – guitars, banjos, mandolins – were made by Chicago Musical Instrument Co., which also made brands such as Kay, Harmony, and Silvertone.
Shown here is a lovely SS Stewart Special Thoroughbred Banjo, built in 1895 and in completely playable condition. This open-back style banjo features the original tailpiece, and a period dowel stick adjuster. This is one of the few we’ve seen that have all the stickers and plaques complete and in place.
The 5-string neck is cherry with an ebony fingerboard, a nicely carved heel and mother of pearl headstock inlays, and the tone ring is nickel plated on a birds-eye maple pot.
Serial Number: 18779, built during 1895 by S.S. Stewart in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Pricing: $1,950.00 Canadian with new ‘bump’ case
Status: SOLD
