Dear Tim,

So glad you took the trouble to reply to my post on the Windsor Ladies zither-banjo.  Thank you very much indeed, and I'm absolutely delighted to make your acquaintance.  Sorry it took so long!  Only found your bit by accident!

Yes, that's an absolutely beautiful ZB you have there. Unquestionably top line.  Very probably it is indeed a Ladies model.  If it cost £13 in the 1930's I make that well over £1,000 ($1,300) in today's money, so definitely a quality instrument.  Judging from the badge, it could be pre-1910.

Am I to understand you have a Windsor catalogue from around that era?  If you have, you could probably make yourself a bob or two selling photocopies.  I for one would certainly buy one!

Windsors were often stamped on the headstock giving the model name and number, but not always.  I'll send you a photo to show you what I mean, though I'm not very good with today's tech.

All the Best,

Black Jake.

I can't be sure, but it looks like the 5th string nut or 'pip' is missing from your Ladies zither-banjo.  Am I right?  They sometimes go missing and  the hole gets filled,  Easy to put right if you want to.  Thanks for sharing the interesting but sad story behind this beautiful instrument.

Best Wishes,

Jake.

It never had one since I have had it (1970), and it always played fine and doesn't cause any problems. I have some bone, and MOP to make one If I wanted to. OH! here are the pages from the catalogue that I have. I downloaded it from some where on the web, but been too long to remember. If you can't get these, I will figure out how to get them to you another way.

Cheers!