1891 S.S. Stewart Little Wonder Piccolo Banjo
1891 S.S. Stewart Little Wonder Piccolo Banjo. About 45 years ago I got up early on a Saturday morning, at a time in my life that early and Saturday were usually seen from Friday night’s point of view. My destination that rainy June morning was the Burton, Ohio Antique Flea Market. Because of the inclement weather the vendors were reluctant to display their wares and I went from vehicle to vehicle asking if they had any musical instruments for sale. I knew I had a winner when a small S.S. Stewart banjo peghead appeared through the van window. As per the specifications of most S.S. Stewart banjos made before the death of Samuel Swaim Stewart in 1898, the neck is cherry with a 15” scale ebony fretboard. A pale abalone star on the peghead and on-end squares decorate the front of the banjo. The spun over maple 7” diameter rim has the faux rosewood grained finish that is seen on most better model Stewart banjos from this time period. With me having worked on this banjo 45 years ago, I do not remember all the restoration details, but these are the minor modifications I notice; Repaired fretboard cracks near the rim, modern No-Knot tailpiece, and antique non-original hooks and nuts that are period correct. The banjo is strung with Nylgut (wound 4th) and has a 7/16” 3-leg bridge. The tone is, as you would expect, snappy and bright. String height is a comfortable 1/8” at the 12th fret. Including a brown covered Enoch hard case, this unmolested 135-year-old instrument can be yours for $1,600.