S.S. Stewart "Universal Favorite" No. 3, S/N 5522, Circa 1890
This is a nice example of an early, high grade version of Stewart's most popular line of banjos. This banjo, like some other early Stewarts I have seen, has a very nice thick ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay, which, along with the extra laminations under the fingerboard, helps to keep the neck straight. No. 3 UF Stewarts had fancy pearl inlay patterns and nicely carved heels, but no marquetry inside the rim or rim engraving. This banjo sold for $40 in 1890.
