Object Details
maker
Ashborn, James
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
date made
1852-1875
ID Number
MI.67.002
catalog number
67.002
accession number
272575
Object Name
banjo
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
place made
United States: Connecticut, Wolcottville
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Banjos
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_605683