This is one of the most desirable five string banjos ever made. The instrument has all of the finest appointments of the instruments from the classic period. The maple neck, with 26" scale has a boldly carved heel. The fingerboard and peghead are adorned with the finest engraved pearl and the back of the peghead has an engraved Gryphon inlay. The tuners have been changed to pre WWII planets with celluloid buttons. The rim is 10-3/4 inches and is bound in the interior with tortoise; it retains all of the original cobra hooks. There is evidence of a slight crack at the heel on the treble side. We do not believe the heel was broken through but this is just a fine stress crack that has been stabilized.