Extremely rare; from Baltimore builder W.E. Boucher, who was an early mass producer of banjos before the American Civil War. This example features a new historically accurate neck by James Hartel with a scroll style peghead, and double ogee side profile. The scalloped rim is constructed of oak, and features 6 brackets with original shoes/hooks/wingnuts (missing one scallop, perhaps was removed intentionally for comfort). Original tension hoop bears faint signs of red & black paint, and serial number VIII is present on the rim's interior behind the dowel stick at the base. Reproduction ebony tailpiece, and friction pegs, strung traditionally with gut strings.