Object Details
- Description
This banjo was made by James Ashborn of Wolcottville, Connecticut around 1852-1875. It is a Five-String Fretless Banjo, with 12 brackets, stained maple neck, rosewood veneer fingerboard, and a stained maple hoop. The peghead is stamped:
J. ASHBORN PATENT 1852
This banjo features U. S. Patent #9268 dated September 21, 1852, by James Ashborn, for an improved tuning peg.
James Ashborn was the first to apply mass production principles to banjo and guitar making. His efficient factory in Connecticut was the source for high quality musical instruments distributed through New York wholesalers in the rapidly expanding 19th century market, signifying the instrument’s transition from homemade artifact to a profitable commercial product.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Ashborn, James
- date made
- 1852-1875
- Physical Description
- maple (overall material)
- rosewood (overall material)
- animal skin (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 39 in x 13 1/2 in x 3 in; 99.06 cm x 34.29 cm x 7.62 cm
- Object Name
- banjo
