S.S. Stewart "Universal Favorite" 5-string banjo, S/N 3338, Circa 1887
Early Stewart banjos were usually fretless, but he recommended frets on the more elaborately inlayed models. This banjo pre-dates the little model name tags on later Stewart banjos, but the 11" rim and 19" neck indicate that it is a high-grade "Universal Favorite". This is a beautiful example with pearl inlaid in every fret position (a total of 167 pieces of pearl!), a very nice carved heel, and a rim that may be silver, rather than nickel, plated. Note the early Stewart rim hardware.