Stewart “Specialty”, No. 4, 5-string Banjo, S/N 15236, Circa 1894

Stewart’s “Specialty” banjo had a 10-1/2” rim and an 18” (nut to rim) neck and was intended to be tuned up a full step from a regular banjo.  Each was marked with a tag marked “Special”, although this tag was later used for other unusual banjos as well.  Although Stewart sold many odd-sized banjos intended for the banjo orchestras of the time, few are found with other than minimal ornamentation, probably because most players already owned regular-sized Stewarts as well.  This example with No. 4 ornamentation is a rare find.

 

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