Thanks Uncle Jaque for the lists of strings from your various sources. I use mine for CW reenacting as well. If you look in the picture resource you will find one of myself in camp at an event last year, taken by the old glass plate process camera. What unit do you reenact with and where?
Kristi, is this the same JU that earlier this year had a bout with cancer? Is his recovery going well? I don't know of any old banjos for sale at the present time but will keep eyes and ears open.

Thanks to all you other folks for your good advice. I will got today to a few of the shops in the area and seek out the one that seems to be the most helpful. I'll keep you all posted.