Civil War Era 5-String Open-Back Dobson Fretless Banjo, 35" overall length, one-piece neck/headstock, probably mahogany, "Ge...

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Civil War Era 5-String Open-Back Dobson Fretless Banjo, 35" overall length, one-piece neck/headstock, probably mahogany, "Geo. C. Dobson / Pat 1860" stamped on pot stick and right side of heel, early metal pot with maple or pine liner, string inlay noting positions on fingerboard, violin-style tuning pegs, skin head. Very good condition and nearly ready to play, needing only bridge, strings, nut and replacement head (on account of typically large split in original skin). Expected playing wear on upper neck, a few small edge chips and a splash of paint intruding on maker's mark at heel. George Dobson (b. 1842) was one of five New York brothers who were early manufacturers and champions of the five-string banjo. The instrument, originating in West Africa, was popularized by mid-19th century minstrel shows and figures prominently in numerous group portraits of Union sailors on deck.