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.
