Vintage c. 1920s/1930s S.S. Stewart "Thoroughbred" 19-Fret Tenor Banjo

Up for sale is a vintage c. Late 1920s / Early 1930s S.S. Stewart "Thoroughbred" 19-Fret Tenor Banjo.

According to valuation/identification from Gruhn Guitars about 15 years ago, this instrument dates to the late 1920s or early 1930s era when the historic S.S. Stewart name was being produced for the tenor banjo boom. It features ornate Thoroughbred-style mother-of-pearl peghead inlays (star & floral motif) and a gorgeous hand-carved floral heel. I no longer have the Gruhn appraisal/paperwork.

Features & Upgrades:

• Upgraded Tuners: Fitted with modern Gotoh Planetary "Double Band" tuners —a huge upgrade over period friction pegs for tuning stability.
• Hardware & Setup: Features an 11" Remo Weatherking head and a period sunburst resonator back.
• Markings: Serial number 53769 stamped on the dowel stick and inner rim, along with the S.S. STEWART PHILA. PA. stamp.

Condition & Luthier Notes:

• Headstock Repair: A crack near the headstock/neck transition was professionally stabilized and glued. It is solid, tight, and holding under full string tension.
• Neck Angle: The neck angle sits a bit low relative to the rim, so it is currently set up with a low 3/8" bridge to keep playable action. A buyer looking for standard action height with a higher 1/2" or 5/8" bridge will likely want to re-pitch the neck / adjust the dowel stick angle.

As I am not a store I do not accept returns but guarantee it will arrive as shown. Please ask any questions ahead of time, I'm happy to answer or take additional pics!