One of the most enduring banjo innovations of all time, a prime example of Henry Dobson's doughnut shaped Silver Bell tonering is present on this nicely appointed banjo from the late 19th century. The spun over rim assembly has a black painted wooden interior, nickel plating, with 10-7/8" diameter (slightly out of round), with original hardware including unusual neck hardware, patent tailpiece w/ star cutout/added bar for loop end strings, engraved grooved tension hoop. The 25.75" scale length highly flamed mahogany neck has a v profile, ebony fingerboard, with 1-3/8" wide nut, thin period correct frets with mild wear, and is nice and straight with little forward relief; dowel stick was reset/heel recut with clever ebony shim beneath; frailing sheath present, with 6th large 6th string pegbox; unusual pearl inlay down the fretboard, heel cap, and peghead overlay, with engraved plate geared tuners with pearl buttons. Some surface wear present on wooden parts, and tarnish on metal, with roughness on top edge of peghead overlay.