Comment by Trapdoor2 on January 13, 2012 at 15:17

How very cool! Great pix of the banjo and I love the history of the man. I have participated in a couple of rifle matches that were re-creations of 1870's matches and always brought a banjo along. Black-powder rifles and banjos do quite well together.

Comment by Shawn McSweeny on January 14, 2012 at 4:24

In a related vein: I understand the Wild West Show's exhibition sharpshooter Annie Oakley, ( dubbed Little Sure Shot by fellow performer Sitting Bull), also played banjo, but privately and not as part of her act . I seem to recall Eli Kaufman mentioning that Fred Bacon had a life long passion for pistol shooting.

Comment by Alan Quinn on January 26, 2012 at 21:59

Hi Shawn,

Many thanks for your research and information about Archibald Plenderleith, it solves a problem for me. I have a banjeaurine which I have been trying to find information about for a year without success. From the pictures of your Plenderleith Cello it is pretty clear it was made by the same man.

It has been quite badly damaged by water and poses some difficult restoration problems, but your pictures have inspired me to finally tackle it. I will post pictures when it is done. 

Thanks again,

Alan

Comment by Shawn McSweeny on January 26, 2012 at 23:45

Hi Alan,

Glad my research is proving helpful to others. The Plenderleith cello is too well made to be the man's first and only attempt at banjo making. Very interesting that you may have another example. Would love to see you post pics even now, prior to restoration.

Regards, Shawn

Comment by Alan Quinn on January 27, 2012 at 11:16

Shawn,

I have posted a few pics showing details of the banjeaurine in unrestored state as requested.

Striking similarities are the unusual peghead shape, the peculiar neck profile similar to the upper portion of the cello neck, and the brass fingerboard which is identical is design. It is not visible in the photos due to the 'patination', but the layout of screws fixing the fingerboard is exactly the same as the cello. Visible inside the hoop is the 'shadow' of a label, now gone sadly. This is in a similar position to the label in the cello.

The neck is solid mahogany, and the tub is veneered with box and burr walnut. The tub woodwork seems to be more crudely made than the neck.

The hook strap nuts are knurled and the tension hoop has scalloping.

I was taken by your comment that the cello has the feel of the gunsmith about it. It is the same with the banjeaurine. Quality metalwork and even the pip is shaped like a rifle v-sight!

Alan

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