• front and side of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo

    This Henry C. Dobson makes for a great project 5-string banjo. The plated metal-clad black painted wood rim has the sought after Dobson "donut" tone ring. The bright nickel hardware mostly matches, and is fit with a wire arm rest. The mahogany neck has had a previous break and repair at the headstock. The ebony fretboard has pearl dot and diamond inlays, a newer nut, 16 frets, and has the original metal fretboard extension. Newer tuners. Comes with newer hardshell case. Made in USA.


    This product is in Project Condition (Learn More)

    Condition Notes: Has a previously repaired headstock break, needs dowel stick reset, fretwork ,etc.. (This item is sold As-Is)

    More Details
  • Front and side of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Full front and side of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Front of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Front neck joint of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Bridge of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Fretboard of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Headstock of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Tuners of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Neck joint of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Back and side of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Full back and side of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Inside rim of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Side of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Case for H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
  • Full front of H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo
1 16

More Details

The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams. 

For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880.

  • 1880s
  • SN 11005
  • HC Dobson openback banjo
  • Metal clad 10-3/4" rim with dark painted wood core
  • Calfskin hide head
  • Dobson "donut" tone ring, stamped: "H.C. DOBSON'S / PAT / NOV. 8-1***"
  • Dowel (likely walnut), stamped: "HENRY C. DOBSON | MAKER | NEW YORK, U.S.A." and "DOBSON'S PAT | MAY 1*** 1870 | **** ** 1881"
  • Mahogany neck has been shortened slightly at heel joint
  • Ebony fretboard with pearl dot and diamond inlays
  • 1-3/16" nut, ~27" scale (bridge positioned to compensate for (we believe) shortened neck)
  • 16 frets
  • Metal fretboard extension, stamped "H.C. DOBSON'S | PAT | NOV. 8-1881" on both sides
  • Friction tuners, w/ black buttons, stamped "*Patentet MAY 8 1888" (*mis-spelled)
  • Includes recent bump-style hardshell case (green lining, oxidized hardware)
  • Made in USA

H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo (1880s)

H.C. Dobson Openback Banjo (1880s)

Expert Setup
Intl. Fees
Used

SKU: 60U-223626

$500 USD
$500.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Experience the Elderly Difference

This Henry C. Dobson makes for a great project 5-string banjo. The plated metal-clad black painted wood rim has the sought after Dobson "donut" tone ring. The bright nickel hardware mostly matches, and is fit with a wire arm rest. The mahogany neck has had a previous break and repair at the headstock. The ebony fretboard has pearl dot and diamond inlays, a newer nut, 16 frets, and has the original metal fretboard extension. Newer tuners. Comes with newer hardshell case. Made in USA.

This product is in Project Condition (Learn More)

Condition Notes: Has a previously repaired headstock break, needs dowel stick reset, fretwork ,etc.. (This item is sold As-Is)
More Details

More Details

The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams. 

For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880.

  • 1880s
  • SN 11005
  • HC Dobson openback banjo
  • Metal clad 10-3/4" rim with dark painted wood core
  • Calfskin hide head
  • Dobson "donut" tone ring, stamped: "H.C. DOBSON'S / PAT / NOV. 8-1***"
  • Dowel (likely walnut), stamped: "HENRY C. DOBSON | MAKER | NEW YORK, U.S.A." and "DOBSON'S PAT | MAY 1*** 1870 | **** ** 1881"
  • Mahogany neck has been shortened slightly at heel joint
  • Ebony fretboard with pearl dot and diamond inlays
  • 1-3/16" nut, ~27" scale (bridge positioned to compensate for (we believe) shortened neck)
  • 16 frets
  • Metal fretboard extension, stamped "H.C. DOBSON'S | PAT | NOV. 8-1881" on both sides
  • Friction tuners, w/ black buttons, stamped "*Patentet MAY 8 1888" (*mis-spelled)
  • Includes recent bump-style hardshell case (green lining, oxidized hardware)
  • Made in USA
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