J H Buckbee 5 String Banjo 1860s-1890s

J.H. Buckbee 19th Century 5-String Banjo w/ JHB stamp.

J.H. Buckbee banjos were the first mass produced banjos in the U.S., having been made from the early 1860's until the 1890's. Buckbee was one of the first, and perhaps most prolific, mass manufacturer of banjos in 19th century America. Buckbee banjo history stamps are rare because John H. Buckbee mass-produced unbranded instruments for other retailers (like Dobson), but some rare examples bear the "JHB" initials on the heel. The clarity of the stamp on this banjo makes it an excellent collector piece and a cool piece of history.