Comment by Mike Moss on May 17, 2011 at 19:56

This banjo looks familiar. Is there a maker's mark on the perch pole?

Comment by Mike Moss on May 17, 2011 at 19:58

From the inlays, the way the neck is carved, the heel plate and the size, shape and fittings of the pot my guess is that it was made by J.E. Dallas of 415 Strand Street.

Comment by John Milligan on May 17, 2011 at 20:00

Hi Mike!

Can't find any makers name or mark anywhere.  I'd examine it a bit more if I knew what exactly is a perch pole!  

Comment by Mike Moss on May 17, 2011 at 20:05

The perch pole (dowel stick) is the wooden peg that goes through the hoop, starting at the heel of the neck and finishing at the tailpiece (the part where the strings attach at the bottom). There is usually a maker's mark there, and another on the hoop... check them both, if the perch pole is authentic, there should be a serial number which is the same as the serial number you photographed on the inside of the hoop.

Comment by David Wade on May 17, 2011 at 20:38

I think I'm inclined to agree with you Mike, early Dallas - typical star inlay and relatively small peg head.

Superb pieces of kit ! I had one for a time,fairly late one, this 1900 ish or earlier. 

Comment by John Milligan on May 17, 2011 at 21:03

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge!  Had a really good look.  Can't see any makers name.  There is no serial number on the perch pole.

Comment by thereallyniceman on May 17, 2011 at 22:13

Hi John,

I am glad that Mike and David have come up with a maker for you. As far as value, I have no idea, but not a fortune. It may be worth £400- £500, but that is only a guess. Let Ebay be your guide!

It seems a little doubtful to me that Parke Hunter in the USA actually played THIS banjo,  he may have played  a Dallas of the same model, but who knows. You could try advertising on The Banjo Hangout. They have a section specifically for selling. Your pictures are of interest on here so thank you for posting.

Regarding the date, I agree 1900 is about right.

Good luck 

Ian

Comment by Jody Stecher on May 18, 2011 at 1:45

Parke Hunter visited the UK and played concerts there. It's not impossible that he used a Dallas banjo on that side of the Atlantic.

Comment by thereallyniceman on May 18, 2011 at 6:48

Good point Jody,

I guess that we will never know if Parke Hunter played the banjo for his tour in the UK or if some enthusiast shouted "Hey you! play us a tune on MY banjo" and then had the engraved plate made and nailed onto the heel.  :-)

It is an interesting feature though and may increase the collector value. Good luck John with your sale. Let us know when and where it will be offered.  I am not interested in a Dallas, but others may well be as it is a nice 12 1/2" hooped instrument and should sound good. Ideal for classic fingerstyle.

 

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