Banjos

14th September 2018 | by Chris Large, Specialist on behalf of Wilson55

‘One Thousand and One Banjos’ The Tsumura Collection 1993 is a fabulous and impressive hardbound book included in our 25^th October  2018 Musical instrument sale estimate £800-1200. When you flick through this monolithic like volume you wonder how anyone could amass such a collection. Our Cheshire-based vendor had a valiant attempt at rivalling it!

Whilst not hitting the thousand instrument mark, our vendor got to 110 banjos, still a respectable amount, and has now decided it is time to release the instruments back onto the market. This formidable collection will be sold as part of our 25^th October Musical Instrument auction.

The collection shows a love of all manner of banjos and related instruments, from fretless minstrel banjos to elaborately pearl inlaid five strings with carved necks and engraved resonators. A rare Pollmann’s Patent all wood body mandolin shape banjo lurks in the shadows of some of the more elaborate pieces but is incredibly special nonetheless. Late 19^th and early 20^th century instruments stand alongside later 20^th century examples and makers include Deering, S.S. Stewart, Cammayer, Gold Tone, Grey, Washburn Temlett, Kay, Barnes Mullins, Fairbanks, Lyon and Healy, Dobson, Coles and many more.

For enquiries about consigning musical instruments, contact us at auctions@wilson55.com or telephone 01270 623878.