North Carolina
Folk

Curly Maple, Groundhog Hide, Metal
ca. Early 20th century
Length: 35.5 in; Body Diameter: 9.25 in; Depth: 1.88 in
Lutes – Banjo

This curly maple banjo was made in western North Carolina.  It is a fretless banjo with three wood carved circles on the face surrounding a home-tanned groundhog hide for the head, secured with a steel bezel.  This large wooden rim with a small head is known for being found only in and around the Great Smoky Mountains.

The five strings are metal, connected to a copper metal tailpiece strung across a hand carved wooden bridge, also made of curly maple.  The tuning pegs are also hand carved, and in the front second ring are 6 metal flathead screws which attach to the front and back of the body.  Four flathead screws are also attached to the front and back of the neck.  All of the wood is well lacquered, and the banjo is in excellent condition.

A picture of an identical banjo can be found in John Rice Irwin’s “Musical Instruments of The Southern Appalachian Mountains,” ISBN: 978-0-916838-80-5, pg 36.  He indicates that it was purchased from Mark King of Blountville, who acquired it in Wataga County, North Carolina at White Top Mountain.