Help needed to identify mystery banjo player

[Hannah Urquhart]

Dear forum members,

I have a photograph of my great-grandfather who was a professional musician in the 1890's and played in the Sheffield area.  I would very much like to know  if anyone recognises him and about the banjo he has in his photo as he's a complete mystery to our family.  He may have played in the Travellers Rest pub in Oughtibridge in early 1894 where my great grandmother was living at the time.

Unfortunately I have no name for my great-grandfather and don’t know anything about him or where he’s from other than the attached photo. I have searched all roads and I think the experts in the Classic-Banjo forum might be the best chance to identify him and his instrument. Thank you very much for your help and Happy New Year 2022, Hannah.

 

 

[IAN SALTER]

Hi Hannah,

The banjo looks like those made by Arthur J Wilmshurst in London. 

Kind regards, Ian.

[thereallyniceman]

In 1903 there was a performance in Sheffield by the Pioneer Banjo Band...but who knows if Granddad was a member????

[Hannah Urquhart]

Hi Ian,

That's very useful information, thank you very much, Best wishes, Hannah

IAN SALTER said:

Hi Hannah,

The banjo looks like those made by Arthur J Wilmshurst in London. 

Kind regards, Ian.

[thereallyniceman]

I don't know if this helps but in February 1904 there was a concert in Sheffield with banjo played by Mr Alf Pond.  Maybe he would have had connections or even been your elusive Great Grandfather?????

[IAN SALTER]

This appears to be the banjo that he is holding in the photo.

[carrie horgan]

The Wilmshurst zither banjos are so pretty.  I love the decorative metal detail.  

[nick langton]

Tanfield and Hill performed banjo and mandolin duets in Sheffield in the 1890s- the banjoist in the duo was possibly George Roger Tanfield (1870-1946).