There's another Stewart banjo currently listed on e-Bay which is attracting some active bidding: Click here

It's a Model 1 Stewart Special, which is a lower quality banjo than the Model 2 described above. The distinguishing characteristics is the lack of a veneer reinforcing strip between the fingerboard and the neck and while the heel is carved it's not as deeply carved or as ornately carved as the Model 2. The banjo is also missing its two ebony shims between the metal bracket on the dowel stick and the pot rim; these are needed for stabilizing the angle of the fingerboard. The bid is now up to $765 which seems to me to more than the banjo is worth. $500 would be more appropriate. Nice condition, though.

From its serial number 19,373 one can place it in the late 1890's as one of the last classic Stewart banjos produced on or near the death of the company's founded.

Charley Noble