Vintage Antique Pollmann Banjo Mandolin (Banjola) and HSC

Description: Pollmann Banjo Mandolin (Banjola) This is an August Pollmann Royal Model Mandolin(e) Banjo (1880s-1890s), made in USA, natural varnish finish, spruce top, Mahogany neck, Brazilian Rosewood back, sides, and fretboard, black hardshell case. Modern Gold Tone brand mandolin/mandola -banjo hybrids are called banjolas rather than mandolin banjos, with modern "banjo mandolin" terminology referring to instruments with approx. 13" scales and 4 pairs (eight) strings like a traditional mandolin has. This one more closely matches the 1887 patent drawing than many Pollmann Banjo Mandolin(e)s, which leads me to believe this may be one of the earliest models. A copy of the 1888 patent drawing is included with this instrument, along with the paper wrapper from an “Armstrong brand” steel banjo string which was found inside the body of the instrument. This Pollman Royal Mandolin Banjo is an example of one of the more unusual crossbreeding experiments in American Lutherie. The instrument consists of a five-string banjo-style neck mounted on a flat-topped wooden body roughly the size and shape of a flat-back mandola. A product of the late nineteenth century boom in both banjos and mandolins, this hybrid makes a claim to being both at once! Tuned and played like a 5-string banjo, it has a delicate and enchanting sound more like a small guitar, lute, or mountain dulcimer (view the video). These are thought to have been made for August Pollman's New York-based company by Pehr Anderberg, a Swedish-born luthier who also worked for Bay State in Boston. They are superbly made using very high quality materials and construction details throughout. The solid spruce top has a bare spot where the pick or fingers of the player(s) wore through the finish. The top is unbound and has a black and red painted-on top purfling and soundhole ring. The back and sides of the vaguely pear-shaped body are beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood. The varnish finish on the spruce top has a deep amber tone. A brand or stamp on the back brace reads "Pat. May 3, 1887". The nickel-plated cast brass trapeze tailpiece reads "WM. GERKE, Prov. R.I., Pat'd Jan. 31. 1888". There are round mother-of-pearl inlay dots at frets 3,5,7 and 12. The headstock Grover banjo screw-tensioned friction tuners are stamped "pat. May 1888" and have old ivoroid buttons. The fifth string screw-tensioned friction tuner is a newer traditional Grover brand with an ivoroid button. There’s an Ebony endpin with dot. Beautifully made but somewhat delicate, these Pollmans rarely survive in as fine condition as this one. One was famously used in a prop in noted photographer Alfred Cheney Johnson's studio in the 1920's, gradually sinking into decrepitude as it appears in many of his portraits of the beautiful Ziegfeld girls. This one has survived, playing and sounding excellent, a great instrument for the turn-of-the (last) century banjo enthusiast or anyone looking for a truly unique sound. Overall, this is a fine example of this delightful oddity, still singing out after 125 years. Overall length is 33- 3/4 in. , 10 -1/4 in. wide at lower bout, and about 3 in. in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is about 24- 3/16 in.. Width of nut is 1- 3/8 in.. This is an amazingly clean and playable instrument, especially for being something like 130 years old. There do not appear to be any cracks on the instrument, the original varnish has checked and shows only some wear, especially where the player’s arm rested on the back and where the pick or fingers struck the top. There are some chips and wear to the top finish under the tailpiece from strings. The fifth string nut has been replaced but all else appears original/contemporary. Something of a miraculous survivor of the late 19th century, This Royal Mandoline Banjo plays and sounds great and is housed in a modern hardshell banjo case with plush lining that has been specially modified to hold it gently---replacing whatever lost canvas or leather case it might have had long ago. The case is in like-new condition. I will ship the banjo mandolin/ banjola in a padded sturdy carton in its hard shell case with the strings loosened. Insurance and a signature at delivery will be required. The cost of insured shipping will be a flat rate of $55.00 for the contiguous 48 states and actual cost elsewhere; please inquire for a shipping cost estimate if you'd like to know in advance of buying. Local pickup is free if the banjo has already been paid for via PayPal. I have tried to give an accurate and detailed description; I will be pleased to answer any question you have about the listing. Thank you for reading the entire description.

Price: 1150 USD

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

End Time: 2024-09-27T20:17:26.000Z

Shipping Cost: 55 USD