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Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project
Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project

Vintage Banjo, Antique c. 1880 R.D. Lewis, NY, Open-Back, 5-String Banjo Project

$ 132

Availability: 27 in stock
  • Number of Strings: 5
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Banjo Type: Open Back
  • Model: Champion
  • Brand: R.D. Lewis

    Description

    Antique / Vintage Banjo, c.1880 R.D. Lewis, NY 5-String Open-Back Banjo Project
    OVERVIEW:
    Here is an old American-made banjo project that is being sold just as-found. It is rusty, crusty, and quite dirty. This one is a real project.
    MAKER:
    Both the dowel stick and the interior of the rim is stamped: E.D. LEWIS. / CHAMPION / MAKER. N.Y.
    DIMENSIONS:
    The banjo has a large pot with a skin that measures 11-7/16" in one direction, and 11-9/16" in the other. The scale length is 26-3/4". The nut width is a hair over 1-1/4". It measures 36-1/2 in overall length, and 12-1/2" in overall width.
    MATERIALS:
    The ebony fingerboard is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, abalone, and metal. The neck and dowel stick appear to be cherry. The interior of the metal-clad pot is maple. The peghead overlay is dyed pearwood or maple.
    BAD STUFF:
    - The hooks and nuts are a mixed potpourri of styles.
    - The neck has a bow of around 1/16" at the 8th fret when a straight-edge is laid across all 17 frets.
    - The neck has a slight twist up at the nut end.
    - The rim was drilled out with an oval-shaped hole to accommodate altering the neck angle.
    - At some point the back of the neck was painted with "SLEEPING GIANT COUNTRY CLUB".
    - The peghead overlay is quite damaged.
    - There are old screw holes in the back of the peghead from a set of geared tuners.
    - The inlaid plaque on the back of the peghead is missing.
    - The neck joint is a little loose.
    - The 5th string PIP is a bit chewed up.
    - A screw was inserted at the 10th fret presumably to shorten the 5th string similar to a modern day railroad spike.
    - There is overall rust, crust, dirt, wear, tear, scratches and other imperfections.
    GOOD STUFF:
    - The presumably original unstamped No-Knot style tailpiece is intact.
    - The original nut has popped loose, but it is included.
    - All mother-of-pearl, abalone, and metal inlays are intact.
    THE CASE:
    There is no case, but the banjo is packed carefully.
    SHIPPING RATES:
    Shippers have increased their rates, and especially for larger packages like this one.
    If you live a long distance from Massachusetts be prepared for potentially costly shipping.
    This package's dimensions and weight are listed below so that you can double check the FedEx rate for yourself.
    PLEASE NOTE:
    This item is already safely and securely packed so any questions will have to be answered from memory.
    DISCLAIMER:
    Please read my text carefully and study the photos closely because they are all important parts of my description.
    A Buy-It-Now Price is not available
    /
    Rest assured, I will not end this auction early
    /
    Shipping will be by FedEx Ground
    I'M SO SORRY, THIS AUCTION IS FOR USA BIDDERS ONLY
    /
    YOU MUST HAVE AT LEAST 5 POSITIVE FEEDBACKS TO BID
    SHIPPING DETAILS:
    -
    FedEx shipping will be
    the amount that the eBay shipping calculator shows
    with no extra charges.
    -
    The package size, weight, and distance from Massachusetts determine the shipping price, not me.
    -
    This item is already very carefully packed in a corrugated box measuring
    39
    " x 15" x 7" and weighing 7 pounds and 5 ounces.
    -
    In most cases your purchase will ship the next business day after payment is made.
    BIDDER INFO:
    -
    Bidders
    must
    have at least 5 positive feedbacks in order to bid or your bid will be canceled.
    - This auction is for USA bidders only.
    In fairness to all I simply can’t make exceptions.
    -
    I'm sorry, but I will absolutely not end this auction early.
    -
    I do not issue partial refunds, so please do not ask for a discount after receiving your item.
    HOW THE SHIPPING COST IS DETERMINED:
    When creating an auction listing, eBay provides a “template” to pre-calculate the shipping cost. The seller (me) simply enters the package dimensions, weight, and carrier into the template, and then the eBay Shipping Calculator automatically figures out how much the shipping cost will be for the bidder (you) depending on your zip code. Every potential bidder will see a different shipping cost depending on how close or how far they are from Massachusetts. Because this shipping amount is automatically generated, I have absolutely no control over what your shipping cost will be.