S.S. Stewart "Champion" presentation 5-string banjo, S/N 11246, Circa 1893
Stewart's fanciest banjos were called "presentation" instruments, and this banjo was listed for $125 in his 1896 catalog. This particular example was one of his more tasteful designs, and includes beautiful engraved pearl inlay on the peghead and fingerboard, wonderful carving on the heel and the back of the peghead, a beautifully engraved rim, gold plated hardware, and carved ivory tuners (one of the tuning pegs is not original).
