Vintage 5-string Banjo circa 1920s Barnes And Mullins Walnut

This exceptional vintage 5-string resonator banjo was crafted by Barnes & Mullins at their London factory during the 1920s, a golden era for British banjo manufacturing. Barnes & Mullins, founded in 1895 by S. Bowley Barnes and Albert Mullins, became one of England’s most respected banjo makers after moving their operations to Rathbone Place, London in 1900.

During the 1920s, Barnes & Mullins banjos were staples of British music halls, jazz enthusiasts, and mandolin orchestras. This instrument represents the company’s peak craftsmanship before they ceased banjo production around 1939–1940 due to World War II. Many 1920s Barnes & Mullins instruments were actually manufactured by noted British maker J. Abbott of Essex, adding to their collectibility.

The banjo features a classic 5-string resonator design with a wooden resonator back that delivers rich, full tone with added volume and projection. It retains the original indented “Barnes & Mullins” logo on the side of the neck along with traditional a walnut body construction, brass hardware including vintage tuning pegs and tailpiece, and tone ring, the distinctive styling that was the core of Barnes & Mullins’ early 1900s offering. The vintage drumhead shows age marks consistent with its 90+ years, and the neck has vintage fretwork that speaks to its authentic pre-war heritage.

This banjo carries the authentic legacy of London’s pre-war musical instrument craftsmanship and is a true piece of British musical history, perfect for collectors, players of traditional folk and blues music, or anyone seeking authentic vintage 5-string tone with the added resonance of a wooden back.