1890s Vintage SS Stewart 5-string Orchestra SSS BANJO 13” German Silver Rim

This striking 5-string model of Stewart banjo is highly desired by collectors and players. It has a deep powerful sound and unique look and feel.

Samuel Swaim (S.S.) Stewart first made banjos In 1878 and after his death in 1898, banjos continued to be made with his name on them until ~ 1910, Stewart targeted wealthier and more sophisticated consumers with his marketing and even today the brand carries an aura of quality and refinement. This "Orchestra" model banjo was built c. 1890 in the Philadelphia factory and is described in their catalog at the time thusly: The rim is of German Silver, with inner rim of maple wood, handsomely veneered and finished in mosaic design. The metal part of the rim and all other metal parts are nickel-plated. Top hoop for stretching the head is mead of metal 3.16 x 1/2 Inch; has turned edge for the hooks, so that they do not touch the head, Thirty silver-plated brackets with hexagon screws; chased border on outer edge of metal rim. Handle, or neck, of cheery with several veneers of colored woods and ebony top strip, or finger-board: The neck is handsomely carved at base similar to design shown in the engraving. The finger-beard is beautifully inlaid with mother of pearl; the scroll head is also tastefully inlaid. All pearl used is from the best Japanese shell, sawed, cut and finished throughout in Stewart's factory in Philadelphia: no thin imported pearl inlayings are used in these Instruments.

The pegs are of celluloid, as they are considered the most practicable: but pegs of walrus ivory, or the champion non-slipping pegs may always be had when so ordered. The best calf-skin heads and strings only are used, and the instrument is finished with the Improved pattern German silver Raised Frets - very smooth and easy to execute upon, and with the "Common-Sense Tail Piece."

- Serial Number 9849 stamped on dowel stick and the rim
- Built c. 1890 - possibly by Stewart's own hand, as it was ~ 4 years before he died.
- Rare German Silver rim contributes to the amazing sound.
- Fancy, detailed wood carving not usually seen in the neck joint. Being over a century old, the neck finish has some minor scratches and dings but is in overall very good condition.
- German silver frets are in good condition, string height okay. Very playable. Such a large tone.
- Cherry dowel rod and Cherry neck with the extra-fancy carved heel.
- Fancy peg head shape and side woods (mirrored in the trademark stamped into the dowel stick).
- Ebony headstock overlay features floral Japanese pearl inlays, stars and moon design
- Antique Grover screw-adjusted friction tuners with cream buttons; tuners work well
- 22-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl diamond inlays, stars and moon design.
- Old calf skin head. Could it be original?
- The rim hardware looks mostly all Stewart profile but some pieces might be older than others or slightly different, not sure if they are all original.
- Original S.S. Stewart "Common Sense" tailpiece
- 36" overall length, 2-1/2" deep, 13" tub
- Grained ivoroid "S.S.S. ORCHESTRA" plaque on dowel stick
- Headstock shape "TRADE / S.S.S. / MARK Phila, PA" stamped on dowel stick
- 1-1/4" nut, 26-7/8" scale
- Built in Philadelphia.
- With a gig bag
- Description provided with the instrument

Very Good Plus (VG+) Condition
Consignment (Sold As-Is)