Schmick Tenor Banjo

Likely made by Vega for Schmick, Camden, New Jersey. A few small cracks on front edge. Length: 84cm.

William O. Schmick made innovative banjos in Camden, New Jersey, receiving his first patent between 1914 and 1925.

The instruments featured a deep resonator, which later became the inspiration for the Vega Vox series that first appeared in 1928. Most Schmick instruments featured simple inlays on both the peg head and fret board, but this "deluxe" version has fancier inlays and back strip marquetry than usually found. It is rumored that the Vega company may have made the necks for Schmick and perhaps the rims as well. Schmick banjos have some unique features, including the maple internal resonator and (perhaps the first) "top-tension" head adjusted by means of simple slotted head screws on the face of the banjo.

The Meisel Collection. This instrument is being sold from The Meisel Collection assembled over a period of forty years by an accomplished attorney from Princeton, New Jersey. The owner traveled the world in search of rare, interesting, and handsome instruments to fill a collection that until now was displayed in his beautiful Princeton home.

Please note: The items in the Meisel Collection are being sold F.O.B. Princeton, New Jersey. The recommended shipper is the U.P.S. Store, 174 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ 08542 which has extensive experience shipping fragile auction items. The Store can be emailed at store2026@theupsstore.com or called at 609-924-0759. The auction house makes no commission on shipping; payment for shipping is made by the buyer directly to the shipper. Although buyers are free to use any shipper they choose, we have found this shipper to be fair and reliable. For those wishing to pick up their Meisel purchases in Princeton: once you have paid for your purchase(s), we will advise you of when and where in Princeton you will be able to schedule an appointment to pick-up your lot(s). Please be aware that auction Lots 800 and up are not in Princeton but, with the exception of a handful of items, these lots are with Guernsey's in New York City.

Condition: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in very fine condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or email Guernsey's at auctions@guernseys.com to request a more thorough condition report.