Details
Although not shown in S. S. Stewart's 1896 catalog, there is a description of this model below the illustration of the Universal Favorite No. 3, reading "The same number...made with fancy wood finish inside of rim, engraved border on outside of metal rim, thirty brackets, handsomely pearl inlaid..." and with a cost $10 more than No.3. With the exception of the calfskin head, this Stewart appears to be close to original throughout and the finish is in remarkably clean condition. There are four Grover Champion tuners in the case pocket, but the original celluloid tuners have been remounted. There's a hint of fret wear, suggesting this banjo may have only had steel strings on it for a short while (and it appears the fifth peg was never changed). One of this instrument's most outstanding features is the marquetry on the inside of the rim, another example of S. S. Stewart's awareness of Aesthetic Movement design which was popular in Philadelphia at the time. The subtle engraving along the bottom of the rim, and the extra helping of inlay on the fretboard, also echo common Aesthetic Movement themes.
Two of the 30 brackets have nuts that don't quite match the rest, and some of the hooks are a bit long.
Specs
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Finish
shellac varnish
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Inlay
ornate
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Neck material
Cherry
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Nut width
1 3/16"
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Scale length
27 1/8"
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Total frets
19
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Year
1889
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Diameter
11 1/2"
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Shell
spun-over, marquetry on interior
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
5960
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SKU
SSSUNIFAV-5960
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UPC
142240
