Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Help me to identify this Banjolin?

  1. #1
    Registered User marcashwell's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Johannesburg, South Africa
    Posts
    1

    Default Help me to identify this Banjolin?

    I found this Banjolin in an antique store, priced at R1400 (Approximately $200). I couldn't find any brand markings on it though. It seems really well made, star and crescent mother of pearl inlays, ivory (I think) tuning keys and a rounded, but solid back with a single bolt in the middle.

    Could you help a) identify it and b) figure out if it worth anything?

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG-20121104-WA000.jpg 
Views:	448 
Size:	58.4 KB 
ID:	93766

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Default Re: Help me to identify this Banjolin?

    Lots of those were sent out from the UK.. as I would expect,

    since RSA has a long history of British Empire involvement..


    Is it worth anything? They are fun to play,
    once you bring it back into playing condition.

    do you want to play it ?, I expect It is not much in Collector's Value,
    to fix and flip.
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  3. #3
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Rochester NY 14610
    Posts
    17,378

    Default Re: Help me to identify this Banjolin?

    Well, British manufacture, from its general appearance. Two often-found labels are Houghton and John Grey & Sons, and a Google search found examples of each that are similar but not identical. Windsor was another major British manufacturer, but the Windsors I've seen pix of all had slotted headstocks, not solid like the Houghtons and JG&S's.

    I'd do some Googling around and see if you find a match.

    The $200 price might have been decent, though these small-body mandolin banjos are not in a great deal of demand -- at least not in the US, don't know as much about South Africa
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
    Natl Triolian Dobro mando
    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
    H-O mandolinetto
    Stradolin Vega banjolin
    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

  4. #4
    Registered User Doug Edwards's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Kerrville, Texas
    Posts
    1,959

    Default Re: Help me to identify this Banjolin?

    Windsor. I've seen quite a few, plus I have. It's worth whatever someone will give you.

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •