Dallas fretless banjo

[Steve Harrison]

I have the opportunity to  purchase a Dallas fret less banjo made around 1885. I haven't seen it yet but the description given suggests that it is in very good condition. The only issue is that at sometime the original pegs have been changed for modern machine heads. I've no idea what sort of value to put on the banjo given the modern modification. Can anyone out there give any suggestions?

[Jody Stecher]

Are you thinking that the modern pegs decrease or increase the banjo's value? If they're good ones you can probably sell them and replace them with period-appropriate friction pegs if that's what you prefer. But better be sure that the new pegs didn't create a bunch of extra holes in the peg head or holes that are now too large. If the new pegs are functional and only the buttons look bad sometimes the buttons can be replaced with something that goes well with the banjo.

[Steve Harrison]

 

Maybe I'm a bit picky to expect to find the original pegs on the  banjo considering it's age. I've yet to see it so I can't comment on the condition of the peg head etc. If it's OK then I would consider fitting more appropriate pegs if they can  be obtained. Assuming that this would be possible and the overall condition is good, I'm looking for a ball park figure as to value. The vendor has no idea what it is worth and I would like to make him a fair offer.