One of the most sought-after antique banjos for contemporary players, Henry C. Dobson's Patent Silver Bell tonering in-action, featuring a slotted peghead w/ geared tuners; plays really well with low action, lovely tone/amazing sustain. The 11" diameter pot is spun-over, with refinished wooden interior, early hardware w/ square nuts (one replaced interior nut), with patent stamped Doughnut tonering, original star stamped nickel plated tailpiece; dowel stick stamped "Dobson's patent ...'78/'81..." on multiple sides. The mahogany neck has a 25.5" scale length ebony fingerboard, with initialed metal frailing sheath, which extends over the head (small wooden wedge added beneath); setups with light action/high bridge; past dowel stick reset present; later frets with mild wear; 1-1/4" nut; sharply angled slotted peghead and 7th string pegbox with original engraved-plate geared tuners, one of the more desirable build specs for examples of this banjo; heel was recut at some point/dowel stick reset, and peghead probably took a hit (left ear of peghead was scarfed on).