F. Rudolph 5-string fretless banjo, Circa 1870's
This ladies' size banjo (9" diameter head and a 21" scale) is marked "F. Rudolph, Balto." The peghead is very similar to those on banjos made by Magez, also of Baltimore, at about the same time period. Note the beautiful wood dot inlays on the fingerboard (including the initials S.S. near the rim), the wonderful old rim hardware including the 'dress protector" spheres on the ends of the bent bracket hooks and the unusually shaped shoes, and the elegant shaping of the neck.
