G.S.W. Teel fretless 5-string banjo, Circa 1880's
This beautiful banjo was made by a little-known Massachusetts maker, and only a very few of his banjos have been discovered to date. This is a beautifully original example with a 10-5/8 inch wooden rim with fine marquetry banding, rosewood veneer, and ornate hardware. The fretless, mahogany neck boasts an unusual peghead shape, an ebony backstrap, fancy mother of pearl inlay including pearl side position markers, and ivory tuners. The "M" on the fingerboard was probably the initial of the original owner.
