A powerhouse unsigned fretless with no maker stamp, but bearing many build hallmarks of banjos by Joseph Ricketts (Phila. PA). The solid, spun over pot measures about 12.5" in diameter, with early hardware including square nuts, flared hooks, and pointed shoes, with repro. ebony tailpiece; majority of the plating is worn exposing gorgeous raw brass (some cosmetic wear/tear imperfections present). The mahogany neck has a pointed brass heel cap, ebony friction peg setup, thick fretless ebony fingerboard w/ a myriad of metal side dots (several have been filled, with hole also present beneath pip), thick pearl dots on board, with unusual flourish near end; scale length is movable; 29.5" by side dots, but is also comfortable in a 28" scale. Added metal star on peghead; end pin hole was filled and redrilled at dowel stick; plays well with only light back bow