Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Joe Hornung
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 12:25 AM

Hello Charlie,
I have just discovered this site, is it still active?

joe28675 at hotmail.com

---

Edited by mudelf to make this address a bit less bot-harvestable. ---mudelf

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 08:02 AM

Tamara-

As I mentioned in my last post, just above, the place to go for free appraisal is the Banjo Hangout/Collectors Corner: click here!

Describe your banjo in detail and provide at least 3 well-focused photos of the pot, the fingerboard, and a sideview of the neck.

The value of the SS Steward Acme Professional can vary widely, from $500 to $3000.

Some of the Acme Professional banjos were not manufactured by Steward and are greatly inferior in quality.

I also frequent that forum as Charley Noble.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Tamara
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 10:27 PM

I have a S.S. Steward Achme Professional and I need to know about how much it is worth

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 11:28 AM

The best website forum for getting feedback on such questions is "banjo hangout." A set of photos would be helpful in evaluating the banjo in question. It's probably a "Universal Favorite Model #1" from your description. One in excellent condition would sell for about $500. Beware that most Stewart banjos are not designed strong enough for steel strings, including this one.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 10:55 PM

A friend has an old SS Stewart Favorite No 1 that I am interested in buying from them - no case - in reasonably good condition ...... any idea what a fair price would be? I couldn't find any serial number on it.

I come from a ukulele background &have a banjo ukulele (modern one) so am not up to speed on banjo playing ...... yet!
thanks
RP

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Feb 12 - 08:03 AM

There's a S. S. Stewart Special Thoroughbred Model 3 now being offered up for bid on e-Bay that is well worth a look and a little drooling: click here!

Starting bid is around $1900 which should not be especially surprising. In a good market a Stewart banjo like this one should sell for about $2500 but maybe someone will get a good buy.

The banjo looks as if it's in excellent condition, with the exception of some missing mother-of-pearl inlay in the fingerboard and a substitute bracket or two.

What makes it a Model 3 is the deeply carved heel, the veneer strips under the fingerboard, the very elaborate MOP inlay on the fingerboard and peghead itself, the mosaic veneer inlay on the inside of the rim, and the chased border around the outside of the rim.

Too bad I'm maxed out on resident banjos.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 05:10 PM

Ricky-

You've got sharper eyes than I have if you're viewing the same 11 images or do you actually have this banjo in your possession?

Here's the hot link: click


I agree that's it's not a Stewart but it closely resembles one. However, I've never seen a Steward with more than 30 brackets around the rim. It looks like an entry level Vega and one that dates back to around 1900.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,ricky mac
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 03:05 PM

SORRY TO WAIST YOUR TIME
I FOUND A STAMP ON THE INSIDE THAT IS VERY HARD TO SEE THAT HAS A STAR WITH VEGA IN IT

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,ricky mac
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 12:16 PM

photo on photobucket
http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd487/jessa8193/used/stewart%2099/
COPY IN BROWSER TO VIEW

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,ricky mac
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 10:36 AM

photo on photobucket
http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd487/jessa8193/used/stewart%2099/

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 08:45 AM

Ricky-

Can you provide a link for a photo of the banjo in question? There are several sets of serial numbers from different periods of production.

I've never seen a Stewart banjo with 38 brackets. Most likely that is a typo?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Ricky MAC
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 08:32 AM

I have a 03 serial no99
5 string banjo, small star on head stock, dot inlay,38 brackets, metal outer rim wood inner rim, 1 piece mahogany neck, head stock has may by ebony laminate on top, 10.5 head, no fancy woodwork, no casDo you know what it is and worth?

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Crowhugger
Date: 06 Sep 11 - 10:20 PM

Wow, thanks Charley. Another beauty. I love this thread.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Sep 11 - 08:49 PM

Just in case you've wondered what a Stewart Model 3 is supposed to look like, here an example in great condition of a S. S. Stewart Thoroughbred currently on e-Bay: Click here for PIXS!

Note the veneer mosaic inlay inside the pot; the inscribed outside medal sheathing of the pot, and the elaborate mother-of-pearl inlay on the fingerboard.

The 'Buy it Now" price should be about $2500 but what the hell, maybe someone wants to get this one for sure.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 04:25 PM

Roxane-

I'm only familiar with the Stewart banjos.

Is the Gibson a banjo or guitar?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Roxane
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 02:55 PM

Can u help me.
I just heard of a Gibson 6 string, flat top mint condition, every thing original, manufactured in 1974, 75 Classic.
A very small nick in the back. I'm wondering what u could tell me of what I may be looking for price.

    Thank You.
Roxane

Could u email me back at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 08:44 PM

And it sold for only $938. Good buy!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 08:51 AM

Hey, you're missing out on a chance to big on a beautiful banjo!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 07:39 PM

Here's another classic S. S. Stewart banjo in evidently excellent condition: Click here for website!

It's a Special Thoroughbred Model 2 built around 1896-97. One could "buy it now on e-Bay for $1400 but you might get lucky bidding and get it for as little as $1200.

It's currently strung with nylon strings but with the reinforced neck (veneers strips under the fingerboard) it should hold up with light steel strings. If I didn't already have three Stewart banjos I'd snap it up.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 08:03 AM

Now this one is worth bidding on. It's a Model 2 Stewart Special Thoroughbred with a starting bid of $500: click here for transport

The seller has a detailed and excellent description. The one small but important defect is the chipped ebony topnut that needs to be replaced by a qualified luthier. Everything else looks very good for a banjo of this age. I think it could be used with light steel strings instead of the preferred nylon strings.

It's market value is about $1200.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 02:42 PM

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

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 10:42 PM

There's a very nice looking Stewart Thoroughbred Model 2 5-string banjo offered for auction on e-Bay: click for link

The "Buy it now" price of $2500 is excessive, about twice what its market value is but it is well made and looks in excellent condition. I note that one mother-of-pearl inlay is missing from the peghead but that's hardly a deal-breaker.

If you were seriously interested, I would request that the seller post additional images, and retake the out of focus one of the nicely carved heel.

It also has an extra large head, described as 11.75", which should give it a robust tone.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Scott
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:20 PM

HI !!If the Packard is put together like that banjo ? "somebody will sell us gas"?. Seriously now, storing and shipping could be be a paying job for some one with imagination a dry garage and no criminal record ummmm!! that could reduce applications! 10..4 10..4 come in all you banjo lovers!! signing out Scott A. Malthouse

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:25 AM

Scott-

Yes, I've been looking at that one as well. It seems a strange match between a full-sized neck and small pot. The dowel and pot match in terms of serial number which dates them to the early 1880's. The neck is fretless and might be an early Stewart neck but I don't think is was designed to go with the pot.

I didn't realize that some items were not available for bidding internationally until you pointed it out. Maybe we could set up a Mudcat Forum safe house! Then we could run the banjos 'cross the border in a 1920's Packard.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Scott Malthouse
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:17 AM

Yes I am looking at this one unfortunately there is no international bidding , this happens a lot !! maybe a safe house should be made to save and forward banjos . Do you know of anything like that? There is another Stewart up on Ebay, a no fret with a small drum, star and dot inlay If you have the time I would appreciate reading your opinion on its authenticity.   Scott in Canada

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jan 11 - 08:19 AM

There's another nice looking S. S. Stewart Special Thorouhbred No. 2 on e-Bay that is worth a serious look: click here for website

The seller has an excellent and forthright description of this banjo. He does point out that the neck is slightly twisted and that the top nut is chipped on one side and should be replaced, and that the neck is not designed for steel strings. But it's a good example of this type of banjo and might be purchased for less than a $1000 in this weak market. The heel is nicely carved and the peghead has some excellent mother-of-pearl inlay.

There is now active bidding at the $200 level but the reserve hasn't been reached. The reserve is probably about $800.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 09:40 AM

Brad-

Please post a link so we can view some pixs.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Brad Walker
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 01:32 PM

Thoroughbred 5-string (1890-1894),some restoration pictures available For Sale
reply [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Alex Francis
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 08:19 PM

I have been wanting to get some tuning pegs installed on my orchestra 2. I live in Dayton Ohio and cant find a Luther anywhere. So I was wanting to send my banjo out and have it set up and have the pegs installed. Any good recommendations? Any Stewart specialized luthers out there?

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:58 PM

Alex-

I would need some more information to determine if it were a Model 1 or Model 2. How deep the heel is carved is one factor and another is the absence or presence of a veneer strip under the fingerboard.

Links to digital images would clear up a lot.

The pot can look absolutely disgusting and still clean up nicely. Don't use steel wool but some kind of liquid metal polish.

A Model 2 S.S. Stewart Thoroughbred in good ship would sell on e-Bay for about $1200, maybe less in this weak market.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Alex Francis
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 01:37 PM

I came across a "1898" S.S. Stewart Thoroughbred. It is in ruff shape, being part of the pot is looks like its caked in dirt but the clean part of the pot looks good. The neck has very simple dot inlay pattern, and the head sporting a fancy inlay pattern. Has a Very nice looking heel carving with a nice inlay on the heal of two moons and a star. No tuners, no head, no tailpiece, and no string saddle. Most of it looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a long time. But still looks like it would clean up just fine. I was really just wondering what is might be worth in this condition and if I completely restored it what it might be worth? Thanks, Alex

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 09:31 PM

[e-mail]-

Sorry that I didn't comment on your link. Things got very busy at my end. That's a lovely Stewart banjo and is probably a Model 3, one of the finest models. I really can't see the inside of the pot which probably has a mosaic of inlaid wood. And I can't tell if the outside of the pot is inscribed or not; it probably is.

If all things correlate you should not let that banjo go for less than $2500.

Dhullinger-

I'm happy to view your banjo as well but "pristine Stewart" doesn't tell me what model of Stewart you had. And if you succeeded in getting a better price, more power to you; but the market is not very good now, judging from what I see good banjos selling for on e-Bay.

Elderly Instruments does do a great job of setting up banjos, and it's where I bought my favorite mellow Orchestra Model 2 Stewart.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,dhullinger
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 08:19 PM

I had the SS Stewart special Thoroughbred 19303
I think if one is in great condition you should ask what you think it is worth and ignore the market. Charley Nole's comment wa that the market would not pay $2200 for an pristine Stewart. I sold it for that to a guy in California who is completely satisfied with the deal. I would like another Stewart later asthi was a great banjo set up by Elderly.

Goo luck in your quests.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 08:57 AM

Try this link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31249309@N05/sets/72157624355224913/

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:18 PM

C_mbuckley-

Your link just bring me back to this Mudcat thread.

The 69,000 series in terms of serial numbers for Stewart banjos is confusing. Basically in the early 1890's Stewart began two parallel sets of serial numbers: one related to his regular production line and the other to the banjos he was producing for Sears & Roebuck. The higher serial numbers are associated with Sears; the quality of the banjos produced in either case depends on the model number.

Do post again when you figure out a way to make your link work.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 06:04 PM

Please see link below am interested in posible sale and value.
I'm aware it is later model the serial number is in the 69,000
series.

http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad313/fmpckyl/banjo/

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 01:10 PM

Here's a nice looking S. S. Stewart American Princess Model 1 for sale at the Banjo Hangout: click here!

Then follow the links there for images.
This is a smaller (10" pot) banjo, more portable for travel. I'm not sure if it's sturdy enough for metal strings.

It seems to be in great shape but it is missing the ebony shims which stiffen the support rod in the pot against the rim; you want those shims in (easily made) before stringing it up for playing or weird things may happen to the action and the tuning.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 04:37 AM

We are looking to sell it due to our finances, husband laid off, etc.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 11:24 PM

Audra-

You definitely have an early Stewart fretless 5-string banjo. There are two missing ebony shims that fit inside the head between the metal brace and the neck; they are needed before anyone tries to string it up for play.

I'm puzzled by the inlaid wooden star on the peghead; it may be a homemade replacement for the mother-of-pearl star which got lost.

The serial number indicates that it is older than 1886 and it looks at least ten years older than that to me; check the Stewart website "Mugwumps" for more information about the significance of the serial number.

It's not a high-end model but very interesting and somewhat rare.

The tuning pegs are a variety of ivory or artificial ivory friction pegs.

What do you want to do with it?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:10 PM

Fretless ? That wipes me out ! I have enough trouble keeping a fretted banjo in tune ! LOL

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:51 PM

Audra-

You need to provide a more detailed description for me to make sense of:

Is it a 5-string banjo? Yes 5 string

What kind of inlay work is on the fingerboard, if any? Mother of pearl inlay with stars and moons.   See pictures.

What is the diameter of the head? 11" head

Is the neck carved at the heel? No.

What kind of pegs are on the peghead, friction or geared? I have no clue, there are some ivory pegs that are in a bag.

Pictures would certainly help a whole lot. Do you have digital images you could post to Facebook? I have posted them below! :)

There is even a handwritten paper saying that he purchased the banjo in 1886, and gave to a friend in the 1900's.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Audra
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:44 PM

Hopefully this works!

http://www.facebook.com/MsAudd#!/album.php?aid=188594&id=507197056&ref=pb

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:09 PM

Audra-

You need to provide a more detailed description for me to make sense of:

Is it a 5-string banjo?

What kind of inlay work is on the fingerboard, if any?

What is the diameter of the head?

Is the neck carved at the heel?

What kind of pegs are on the peghead, friction or geared?

Pictures would certainly help a whole lot. Do you have digital images you could post to Facebook?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 12:00 PM

"Ludwig Whitecalf" was a commercial product of the Ludwig Drum Company--a specially treated skin that was white.

See The History of the Ludwig Drum Company.

A

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Audra
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 11:45 AM

We have a banjo that we have had for many years that we were looking to sell, it will need some work but it's in good condition. No strings, etc. Pass around the family and just displayed at the house.

On the back it says SS Stewart (diagonal in two places), Philada and also the serial number 2699. It also says Ludwig Whitecalf on the back of the skin. From doing a little research it looks like pre-1888?

I have some pictures but not sure how to post them. Thank you for your assistance!

Audra 210-382-0041

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 12:38 AM

I bought the S.S. Stewart Orchestra and a 1924 "The Gibson" tenor pot with a Seeger style long neck for 600 bucks!! I know the Stewart is worth a lot more, but what about the gibson? Ive been clawing for about a year now and already have three banjos... it seems crazy lol

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 03:17 PM

Alex-

The Orchestra No. 2 is what I've settled on for years as a well-built Stewart banjo and one strong enough to be strung with steel strings. If the Stewart you are looking were in working condition it should retail for about $1200 in a good market. In the current market probably less. If you can pick it up for $800 or less you'll be getting a good deal.

Generally banjo players will want to replace the old tuners with newer models; you want ones with a narrow shaft that fits into the existing holes in peghead; give Elderly Instruments a call and see what they suggest.

Do keep us up to date on whether you are able to purchase it.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Alex Francis
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 01:03 PM

I found an old SS Stewart and im dead set on getting it. Its a 1894 orchestra No 2. Has the original tuners but one has broken in half and the 5th string peg is missing. Here is a picture of one that is exactly the same http://www.billsbanjos.com/Orchestra2.htm . Its missing two inlays on the headstock and I was wondering what is a good price for this amazing banjo??

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 May 10 - 07:40 PM

Timmons-

You are describing some of the typical mother-of-pearl inlays one might find on a classic Stewart banjo. But you're not answering my questions posted above.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,W timmons
Date: 29 May 10 - 06:10 PM

HI charley                                                                   did i make contact ? My banjo has 4 stars 2 quarter moons and what looks like a leaf    .