Identifying Unmarked Banjos
Many banjo manufacturers, in addition to making banjos under their own names, made unmarked banjos for others to sell as well. In some cases, teachers would purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other cases they carry no identifying name at all. It’s difficult to positively identify the manufacturer of these banjos in many cases, but some identify themselves through common hardware and design characteristics. Another useful set of identifying characteristics can be found at http://www.mugwumps.com.
February 29, 2012 c.1895 Lyon & Healy 5-String Banjo This is a Lyon & Healy 5-stringer made around 1895. Rumor has it (via the 'Regal Musical Instruments 1895-1955' book) that Regal (then in Indiana) made these for L&H while fancier 'Washburn' L&H products were made in-house by L&H in Chicago. Lyon & Healy (1864-1940) made many grades of banjos in many styles, and many were left unmarked. Lyon & Healy routinely used talon or patent 1897 tailpieces (see fourth row of pictures below) on many of their unmarked banjos, and their better-grade offerings frequently had notched, rather than grooved stretcher bands even in the early 1890’s.
A Guide to Dating Lyon & Healy 'Own Make' Instruments. This list is based on an information base of over 60 Lyon & Healy brass instruments which are engraved either 'Own Make' or 'Duplex/Own Make', from the establishment of the factory in 1896 until the largest known serial number. Ebonies headstock, mechanical friction pegs. Information from research: original Kirchner unique tailpiece with patent date of, lyon and hEaly makers - Chicago. Please See pictures for condition details. Neck joint is tight. It has been well cared for and new strings is in playing shape. This banjo is in Excellent condition. Founded in 1864 in Chicago, Lyon & Healy Harps built its first pedal harp in 1889 and has become recognized around the world for its craftsmanship acquired through an internal apprenticeship program. The Lyon & Healy sound is marked by its resonance, its clarity, its carrying ability and most importantly, its consistency.
Buckbee (1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their peghead shape. Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee.
Rettberg & Lange (1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made banjos, not surprising since they bought out the Buckbee factory in 1898. Most of their later banjos had elite tailpieces, Orpheum-like hardware, and long, thin heel footprints as shown below in the second row of pictures:
J. B. Schall (1878-1907) manufactured many unmarked banjos for teachers who sold them to students, some of which are tagged with the name of the teacher or distributor. Schall hardware is pretty unique and the fifth string peg perch is typically carved out from the side of the neck as shown in the third row of pictures below:
Lyon & Healy (1864-1940) made many grades of banjos in many styles, and many were left unmarked. Lyon & Healy routinely used talon or patent 1897 tailpieces (see fourth row of pictures below) on many of their unmarked banjos, and their better-grade offerings frequently had notched, rather than grooved stretcher bands even in the early 1890’s. The Lyon & Healy peghead shape used on most of their better banjos is also distinctive, with a small additional bump on either side of the top of the peghead (see last set of pictures below).
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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/98587 Henke - Posted - 11/07/2007: 14:20:18 Does anybody know anything about Lyon & Healy Banjos? Are they good, bad....anything. I am maybe buying one, and thouhgt it best to here the forums opinions. chip arnold - Posted - 11/07/2007: 14:59:39 I've had several that were very basic, openback, mail order type banjos of 100 years ago. They were all good instruments on a par with Sears' Supertone, etc. I think they may have had fancier models but mine were basic. A nice 5 string will fetch $150-$300.00 on Ebay. Edited by - chip arnold on 11/07/2007 15:02:26 timmo_1949 - Posted - 11/07/2007: 19:45:19 I've rehabilitated a few Lyon & Healy banjos. L&H was a major Chicago instrument manufacturer. The company still exists but they only make harps. In the banjo heyday, they also made a line of banjos sold under the Washburn name. Lyon And HealyHenke - Posted - 11/08/2007: 06:06:51 Thanks for you help guys! Lyon And Healy Banjo Information GuideBConk - Posted - 11/08/2007: 07:31:35 Henke - Mylar is the plastic material used to make modern banjo heads. It's been in use since at least the 60's. Prior to that, calfskin was the preferred material for the head - still is for some players. Lyon & Healy Banjoblack flag - Posted - 11/08/2007: 16:49:19 L&H made banjos well into the 20th century and the instruments in the upper range of their model line were well-designed and attractive. |