Stewart Five-String Banjo

Object Details

Description

This banjo was made by Samuel Swain Stewart Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 1889. It is a Five-String Banjo, serial #6682, with a metal-covered wooden hoop, 26 metal brackets, dark wood veneered fretboard and peghead, with shell inlay, rosewood neck, carved heel, and friction pegs. The banjo’s dowel stick is stamped:

TRADE
S.S.S. [in a peghead outline]
MARK

(There is a metal plate on the dowel stick) stamped:

S.S.STEWART
1889
PHILAD'A

Samuel Swain Stewart was a noted banjoist, one of the most prolific makers and popularizers of the banjo during the late 19th century. He was a determined advocate of "finger-style" (today's classic) technique, as opposed to the traditional "stroke style" (today's clawhammer or frailing) technique.

Through such writings as his pamphlet The Banjo Philosophically. Its Construction, Its Capabilities, Its place as a Musical Instrument. Its possibilities, and Its Future, he pursued a determined campaign to "elevate" the image of the banjo by disparaging and even denying its African American and minstrel show origins. He produced banjos in a wide range of styles and costs and was influential in creating the popular enthusiasm for fretted instrument clubs and orchestras which persisted into the 1930's.

Location

Currently not on view

Data Source

National Museum of American History

maker

Samuel Swain Stewart Co.

date made

ca 1889

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Richard S. Tilton

Physical Description

wood (overall material)

metal (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 36 in x 11 3/4 in x 2 1/4 in; 91.44 cm x 29.845 cm x 5.715 cm

Object Name

banjo