SS Stewart Orchestra Model Carved Scroll 5St Banjo 1890

This is a stunning old clawhammer style 5-String Banjo (Serial Number: 6483). Crafted in Philadelphia during the true "Golden Era" under the direct supervision of Samuel Swaim Stewart. It features premium appointments rarely seen on standard models from this period and is in superb, stage-ready condition. Featuring the intricate hand-carved heel found only on higher-tier factory configurations (Orchestra No. 2/3 grade). The extra wide pot ( 12 1/4") delivers plenty of volume. German silver/nickel-plated spun rim over a wood core in excellent shape. The trademark stamp on the cherry wood dowel stick, original flat ebony fingerboard, and elegant mother-of-pearl inlays. This instrument was fully vetted and professionally restored by the team at Portland Fretworks. Brand new, high-grade natural calfskin head installed and tuned. Upgraded with a modern 5th-string tuner. All other hardware is original and the neck is stable, straight, and plays beautifully with low, comfortable action. Comes with its original 1890s rear-entry leather "end-opening" case which remains in very good, structurally sound condition. It has been pointed out to me by an old hand that it is unusual for there to be no stamped serial number on the rim. From my research, unusual but not unheard of. It is an early model and might have been inked, now long gone or ? I don't see evidence of any modifications and feel confident in the honesty of this fine old instrument. I would consider trades of pre-war (1920s–1930s) koa instruments or pre-war flat-top guitars of interest (Martin, Gibson/Kalamazoo, Weissenborn, Oscar Schmidt, etc.), up or down.