Antique 19thC 1888 William Gerke 5 String Open-Back Wood 10" Banjo Providence RI

Description

Antique 19thC 1888 William Gerke 5 String Open-Back Wood 10" Banjo Providence RI
Antique 19thC 1888 William Gerke 5 String Open-Back Wood 10" Banjo Providence RI
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Description
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE. GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC AND AS DESCRIBED OR YOUR MONEY BACK!
Today we are delighted to offer for sale a beautiful antique 5-string banjo by William Gerke of Providence, RI!
This banjo, with patents from 1888, was created at the height of the "golden era" of banjo-making, the late 19th century. The metal tailpiece is marked "W.M. Gerke, Prov., RI, Pat'd Jan. 31, 1888." The tuning pegs are crafted of molded, faux ivory and metal, which also have 1888 patent marks. The fifth tuning peg, halfway down the banjo's neck, is crafted of ebon y wood and does not have any markings. The calfskin head measures 10" inches in diameter. Twenty metal bracket hooks hold the head securely to the wooden resonator. The fretboard is crafted of ebony; the neck and resonator appear to be mahogany or rosewood. The tailpiece, bracket hooks, and bolts holding the bracket hooks in place are slightly tarnished, but could easily be polished. The calfskin head appears to be original and is intact, though it has some watermarks from age.
This incredibly rare instrument was discovered in an estate in Providence, RI, a stone's throw from where was created. This was stored indoors, in a climate-controlled environment, for at least two generations, and should need no more than a minor cleaning and setup to restore it to its original beauty and playability.
Instrument presents in beautiful antique condition, with minor wear, patina and marks commensurate with age. Some minor tarnish is present in certain areas, and the head has water marks from age, but no visible or structural damage appears present. No warping has been noted. Please review all photos carefully. This is a true rarity, in original and complete condition, and not likely to come around again soon. Fresh to the market!
Dimensions: 33" in total length, 22" in neck length, 1-7/8" in neck width (widest point), 10-1/2" in total head diameter (including brackets), 10" in calfskin head diameter, 2-1/8" in depth (resonator)
NOTE: Shipping cost includes full insurance. We do not mark up shipping.
Buy with confidence -- please see our current seller rating! Item(s) will be professionally packed to prevent damage in transit. Feel welcome to message us with further questions or requests for more images, and thank you for looking!
2020/1676/KR/F
Payment
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Shipping
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Your satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to pack items professionally to earn your 5-Star positive feedback on every transaction. It will be our pleasure to leave you great feedback in return!
Packing time is usually a two day turnaround and professional shipping materials are provided at our expense. Our handling charge is applied to insurance coverage. Total shipping costs on higher value items may reflect the higher cost of more coverage. If your item requires crating, freight, pick-up or delivery services, this will be specified in the listing. Please contact us before bidding to discuss options and receive quotes.
International Buyers Please Note
: We use eBay's Global Shipping Program for all shipments outside of the USA.  When an auction or sale has ended and you are the winner you will have, by default, committed to purchase shipping from eBay Global Shipping. It will be in eBay Global Shipping's purview to fill and submit customs documents, select carriers, determine shipping times, etc. You will need to contact eBay Global Shipping directly to make any further modifications, re: shipping arrangements. We will recoup costs for shipping to the eBay Global Shipping depot in Kentucky, USA, though the total amount you have been asked to pay for shipping, which is not disclosed to us. Please see terms of use for eBay's Global Shipping for more details.
Terms of Sale
Returns: All returns are made at the buyer's expense. We will accept returns within 14 days of your receipt of the item, if the item has been materially misrepresented.
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Rhode Island
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