Luscomb's Banjo

Patented 1893. Carved heel, Made in Boston. Length: 90cm.

John F. Luscomb (Boston, Mass.) was a well-known banjo soloist and composer in the 1890s. He designed the banjo bearinng his name which, with its patented hoop, "was constructed on entirely new and scientific principles" and patented the tone chamber under the rim. The pot of this banjo was made of bell metal with a fairly narrow outside hoop of wood which was rabbeted over the top to allow the velum to rest on it to promote "a most wonderful sound." Luscomb banjos were made in 4 grades as well as three grades of Banjeaurines and a Piccolo with a 8" rim. Models included The Luscomb and Artiste, and Silver Chime The instruments were made and sold by Thompson & Odell Co. from c. 1891 to the late 1920s.

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.

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.