George Teed (New York, c. 1821 – 1912) designed six-string resonator banjo, having 17 frets, 8 brackets with tensioning screws on a brass hoop surrounding the head, and a resonator with inlay including a star, compass star, and diamond designs. One-piece neck design with all frets present. Comprising various woods including walnut, maple and rosewood veneer. The metal hoop is engraved at the top: "George Teed Maker, Pat'd April 6, 1862". 35 1/2" L. Circa 1862. Note: (Adapted from Smithsonian Institution online archives) George Teed is listed in the New York City directory from 1860-1861 as a turner. In New York, many craftsmen in the woodworking trades, including Teed, may have made banjos as a secondary business. Teed's banjo has top-tensioning screws to adjust the tightness of the head and a closed-back resonator body designed to project the sound outwards towards the audience. Similar mid-century banjos were patented by Henry Dobson. A very similar early model can be found at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History: https://www.si.edu/object/teed-six-string-banjo%3Anmah_605685.

CONDITION: Missing strings, bridge and tuning pegs. Scattered wear to wood including some nicks, minor chips and losses to inlay. Drum head shows age with some staining.