My first banjo was a Mansfield. It was a fairly well made Aluminium pot Japanese cheapie. I have seen other Mansfield banjos that are great copies of Gibson Mastertones, some even have ornate engraving and gold plating. I would think that given your investment that you either have a pretty good deal, a very good deal or a great deal.

LL, are you in Canada? I have this theory that Mansfield was a brand name for products bought by a Canadian retailer.