Little can be confirmed about the origins of this remarkable pony banjo, which features the maker's name engraved into a large silver plated metal plate, which spans the entire length of the dowel stick. The 8", single-shiplap wooden rim, is about 3/16" thin, has a rosewood veneer, with extremely unusual raised flat-head tonering (squared-off metal rod connected to rip with 10 square "feet"), single pointed shoes w/ open back hex nuts, equipped with Elite tailpiece; "1888" engraved on end pin. The 19" scale neck is of oak, has an ebony fingerboard with pearl flush frets, unusual/simple pearl inlay pattern with ornaments on most of the 20 positions/peghead overlay, multiple laminations beneath, with floral relief heel carving. Setup with a 1/2" bridge, the banjo frails nicely with mild action; narrow 1-1/16" wide nut width; equipped with patent friction tuners. Includes foam ukulele case.