J. H. Buckbee (unmarked) 5-string banjo Circa 1895
The J. H. Buckbee Company of New York is credited with the manufacturing of large numbers of banjos in the 1880’s and 1890’s, most of which were sold by retailers, distributors, or teachers under their own names. This unmarked banjo is most likely made by Buckbee, and features the combination of pearl, abalone, copper, and pewter inlays seen on many of their early banjos.