H.C. Talmadge 5-string banjo Circa 1883
This unusual and well-made banjo was identified by the patent stamp "Nov. 20, 1883" on the stretcher band as having been made by H.C. Talmadge of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was clearly an innovative maker given the unusual rim hardware, the smooth inside of the rim, and the use of a steel rod in place of the usual dowel stick. The neck is beautifully made of rosewood, with an ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay inlaid with pewter and pearl. This is the only example I have seen of a banjo from this maker.
