#denverfolklore.com

Fairbanks Columbian Banjo (c. 1892)

Was in Denver this past week and stopped by the Denver Folklore Center, an awesome music shop with some great employees.  Thanks!

"This is a true collectors banjo. It was designed and built for the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of Columbus "discovering" America. It is a terrific example of the art of banjo building in the late 19th Century. This banjo is all original except for the tailpiece, the armrest, and the bridge. There is one small piece of mother-of-pearl that has been replaced- but we aren't saying which one!"

Source: Denver Folklore Center

1920's W. Geo Rush

"The imprint on the stick (in two places) says "W. Geo. Rush, maker". Mr. Rush built a very nice lady-sized banjo (9 3/4" calfskin head); very ornate inlays in the headstock and on the fingerboard, 30 brackets. It has a way cool geared fifth string tuner and friction pegs for the other four strings. The neck angle is great although the method of attachment has been altered over time and is rather crude. Very nice tone."