Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo

Subject: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: GUEST,Chris Walton
Date: 16 Jan 06 - 01:23 PM

Hi folks, I'm new here and hope this is the right place to post this question. I'm trying to date a banjo that has the name 'Hillyard' on it. It seems to refer to a Wm. Hillyard, born in Ireland, had a shop in England making instruments and then worked for J.W. Pepper in Philadelphia before opening a shop in 1896. Then all reference to his is lost. The question is How can I date and find a value for this banjo? Any ideas? Please. Thank you for your time and trouble.

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Jan 06 - 01:32 PM

Sorry. Misread the title. I thought you had problems "keeping company" with a William Hillyard banjo.

I play trumpet and cant' really help out here.

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jan 06 - 02:06 PM

You may want to post an inquiry at the Banjo Hangout website: Clink here!

There is generally someone who is willing to provide leads on puzzling banjos.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: GUEST,Chris Walton
Date: 16 Jan 06 - 02:17 PM

Many thanks, Charley

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Arne
Date: 16 Jan 06 - 02:42 PM

Dating a banjo?

Ummm, watch out with the foreplay. The fretboard can cause not inconsequetial contusions....

But as long as "she's" willing.   ;-)

Cheers,

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: open mike
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 12:10 AM

is it a male or a female?

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Dead Horse
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 06:07 AM

Dear Lonely Heart,
Give this temporary infatuation up before someone gets hurt.
You will never make sweet music together.
And should there be any offspring from this most unfortunate liason, think of the ridicule they would suffer in later life.
There are enough ukeleles in the world as it is without adding to their number!

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 06:57 AM

good one Rapaire while the thread was loaded I was weighing the odds how soon in 7 posts someone else would misread the thread like I did. Still it makes a change from all the other Banjo jokes and gives us Bodhran players a rest - Oooer I can hear the jibes over that comment already.

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 07:19 AM

Mr Red - You must admit that No One has yet tried to date a Bodhran !!

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 04:13 PM

After dating, marriage may be mandatory.

~S~

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: GUEST,chris walton
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 05:53 PM

Well, I guess this thread is turning out to be good for something. It sure isn't yeilding and help on ID or history. I am really curious, though. Are these jokes(?) suppose to be funny?

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 05:59 PM

Well, Chris, you could say that it's just how we amuse ourselves while making sure your thread stays near the top of the thread list so that if anyone actually KNOWS anything, they'll be sure to see it. :~) And it means we're introducing ourselves in hopes that you'll choose to be part of our goofy community.

(my opinion)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: GUEST,Chris Walton
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 06:48 PM

Well, thank you for the welcome, Susan - and all. I appreciate the thread being viewed. I've been told I have a misplaced sense of humor, too (they hope I will find it soon) so I guess I fit right in.

It looks like I may have one of the only 2 Hillyard's in the world. There are photos that I just took of this piece here: www.walton-antiques.com/hillyard.jpg

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: BanjoRay
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 07:01 PM

If you send the query and the picture link to the banjo list (banjo-l), I'm sure someone'll be able to tell you far more than you needed to know about it.
Good luck
Ray

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: GUEST,Chris Walton
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 07:05 PM

Thank you Ray, I will try that. From the way you phrase it though, do I really want to? :-)

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Dead Horse
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 07:13 PM

Only two left in the world?
What are the chances they might, er, get together, as it were? :-)

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 10:59 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 20 Jan 06 - 11:58 AM

Leadfingers, my Hubby builds and plays bodhrans. I'm MARRIED to one! And I'm acquainted with other, more intense, builder/players who have maintained long-term varied-level relationships with members of whichever opposite gender applied. Does that count??

OTOH, there are those who will remind me that I've spent time in a "loony bin". Wonder if there's a connection.....Tw

Subject: RE: Dating a Wm. Hillyard Banjo
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 06 - 11:54 PM

Hey Ray,

You were right and wrong. They know a lot about their favorite banjos and will tell you why yours is just like theirs - except .... At least here, you get jokes. But, thanks anyway. This has become really interesting.