S/N 110 Robinson Improved
This is a fantastic example of a Robinson Improved crafted by Gatcomb circa 1891-92. (Judging by the patent stamps, this particular banjo was probably crafted in late '91 or early '92.) The neck is unusual in a couple of ways. First, Gatcomb was adamant about retaining his headstock shape on almost all of his banjos (the Student models being a frequent exception). This headstock shape is markedly different than the signature Gatcomb shape, more akin to the shape seen on other makers' banjos. Second, the inlays are certainly not at all typical of L.B. Gatcomb's crew. (Rather, they're not consistent with the inlays we've personally seen on Gatcomb banjos.)
Another interesting feature on this guy is the Gatcomb stamp on the dowel stick. If you look closely at the middle photo in the top row of the gallery you can plainly see what appears to be one (if not two) existing Gatcomb stamps under the deeper, chipped final stamp.
So what's going on here? Was this a repurposed neck? A retooled/refinished neck that was restamped at the factory? What about the headstock? Did the previous owner reshape it? Did Gatcomb's workers repair and reshape it at the factory? Perhaps they customized it for a customer and sanded down (or refurbished) the existing dowel stick, effectively removing most of the original stamp? That could certainly explain why the newer stamp appears chipped. We really just don't know. This is something of an anomaly in the Registry.
Regardless, this is a beautiful banjo, and we thank Mark for submitting these photos.
Another interesting feature on this guy is the Gatcomb stamp on the dowel stick. If you look closely at the middle photo in the top row of the gallery you can plainly see what appears to be one (if not two) existing Gatcomb stamps under the deeper, chipped final stamp.
So what's going on here? Was this a repurposed neck? A retooled/refinished neck that was restamped at the factory? What about the headstock? Did the previous owner reshape it? Did Gatcomb's workers repair and reshape it at the factory? Perhaps they customized it for a customer and sanded down (or refurbished) the existing dowel stick, effectively removing most of the original stamp? That could certainly explain why the newer stamp appears chipped. We really just don't know. This is something of an anomaly in the Registry.
Regardless, this is a beautiful banjo, and we thank Mark for submitting these photos.