This is a very rare SS Stewart guitar banjo made by Rettberg and Lange in NYC from c. 1915. It was a fairly fancy model with intricate inlaid wood marquetry on the rim and pearl inlays on the fretboard. It also has a slotted headstock which is very unusual for banjos. It is in remarkably good condition and plays very well for being over a century old. Even the original skin head is intact. The open back design and large head combined with the silk and steel strings gives the banjo a deep dark tone. The neck is straight, frets are in good shape and plays very well. The original hardshell Bulls head Harptone case is in excellent condition and even has the original handle! Overall this is a great sounding and very playable piece of history.