Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Feb 02 - 02:49 PM

Well, there's another nice S.S.Stewart listed on E-Bay. This one has the highest level inlay pattern on the fingerboard that I've ever seen. It was manufactured in the 1890's for sale by Sears Roebuck under the Acme label but appears to be the real thing. It's currently being bid at about $800 and has met its reserve. It should go for well over $1500. The seller also provides a nice link to a S.S. Stewart website for more information.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Oct 01 - 02:21 PM

Well, now there's another S.S. Stewart worth looking at. It's a 1894 No. 1, unknown model, with nice inlay and pretty much in original condition judging by the ornate friction pegs. The pot is probably around 11 inches in diameter. No. 1 models don't have carving on the neck, and lack the veneer strips under the fingerboard which strengthen the neck (essential if you're planning to use steel strings on these puppies. It's currently bid up to $600 and met its reserve and really shouldn't go for much more. Nice digital images. I'm amazed that people are still digging these instruments up in basically original condition. Are there no other S.S. Stewart banjo watchers out there?

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 09:16 PM

The Champion model S.S. Stewart went for $1526. What a beauty...The seller picked it up from Elderly Instruments for much less.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 08:08 AM

There's a new Stewart beauty on E-Bay now, even prettier than the last one, sitting at $1200 with the reserve met. The Champion Model was one of their best, and a Number 3 was the best grade of that model. Here's what the seller says:

"SS Stewart 5 String Banjo with marquetry and mother of pearl inlay. Also German silver wire inlay in peghead. This is a Champion model grade 3. Serial # 8280. Rim dia. 11". Has original tailpiece, see pics. Original brackets and shoes. No fret wear. Fantastic sound. Fantastic action."

Sigh! Just look at the inlay and the marquet work...

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 06:22 PM

Gone for $1804! Well, it did look sharp but I think it went for much more than it was worth; I think $1200 should have done it.

I got my brother a S. S. Steward Thoroughbred (which he still has) with similar inlay pattern, plus an urn on the peghead, for $55 back in 1964; the owner was only interested in 4-string banjoes and the Stewart was taking up space; I was expecting to pay about $500 back then...Sigh!

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: DonMeixner
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 05:59 PM

This banjo is of a type that a friend of mine called Confetti banjos. He had at one time six of these old Stewarts in just about new condition. He collected them over the years, usually buying or trading them from students who wanted to play tenor banjo. The last one he had went to a Japanese collector who paid over $1,100 Americain for it about 15 years ago.

I played it befoe it left the country. It was nice but not as nice as his Vega Tubaphone.

Don

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Les B
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 05:30 PM

I know that old Stewarts sound good, but I've just got to say this (re - the blue clicky link) that's a really garish headstock & neck !!!

I've seen several old banjos lately that a local collector has and it seems that there was a period in the 1870's to 1890's when the inlay work was very, um, well, "busy". The more mother of pearl, or whatever, in whatever shape, that could be stuck on the neck, the better. Circles and squares, like on the above banjo, seemed to be the favorite. It reminds me of the old "find the Popes in the pizza," skits on Saturday Night Live TV !

Has anyone ever done a treatise on the development of the art of inlay patterns or traced them historically ? If so, please reference.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Frailin Gill
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 03:32 PM

I have one thats been in my family since about 1900. When I was learning to play I used to stuff my jumper in the back so I could practise without disturbing my flatmates who were sudying for exams. I'd no idea either that it was worth much, even though I think it sounds lovely.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:44 PM

One more day to go on this auction; bid up to $1125.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 10:59 AM

Guest - thanks for the blue clicky. Stewarts are generally fine instruments. Even there more inexpensive ones are worth looking at, although if the neck is twisted or bowed you're looking at a wall decoration or spare parts. They were generally set up for gut strings and one sould be careful about mounting heavier steel strings. Mine does fine with medium gaugue as should the one listed on E-Bay. Unfortunately, they ones that are fancier are avidly sought by non-player collectors but a few weeks ago a well-made Thoroughbred went for about $750.

I'm not sure what the best bidding technique is for E-Bay. There's frequently a flurry of last minute bids and if you're doing that you seldom get a second chance.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 05:21 PM

I was a teenager (yes, I actually was one once, in another century) when I first ran into S.S. Stewarts. I learned then that they were the open backed (non-bluegrass) banjo of choice. Always a sweet, gentle, mountain sound. I wish I could afford one today. You can always shove a rolled up sock between the head and the brace and produce a muted sound that won't wake the children in the middle of the night ... which is when ALL dedicated banjo players practice ... right? CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 05:06 PM

Click here

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 04:39 PM

I did not know that S.S. Stewart instruments were worth anything! I have an old Banjolin made by this outfit. I figured it was just a wall hanger. Peace - Steve

Subject: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 03:35 PM

There's a lovely S.S. Stewart 5-string banjo being auctioned on E-Bay right now, too rich for my blood (over $1100) but check it out. I would guess that it's the Orchestra Model No. 3, about 1894 vintage according to my 1986 reprinted catalogue. Do a search for "Stewart Banjo" and it should come right up. Lovely inlay pattern and mosaic wood pattern inside rim. Drool, drool!