Banjo

Date1850-1880

Maker Eugene F. Chapman

MediumWalnut with probably maple rim, inlaid pewter initials and decoration, brass and iron/steel hardware, and hide head

DimensionsOL: 29 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2005.708.3

DescriptionBanjo, fretless 5-string. The neck has both ivory and lead inlay on the neck, inlayed in lead are three initials E.F.C. The heel of the neck is carved, as is the peg head. The rim has open works and a 10" hide head.
InscribedSigned on the top of the head "By E.F. CHAPMAN/ 1868 NOW/ DENVER/ COLORADO
On the underside: made by Eugene Chapman
Markingsinlayed in lead are three initials E.F.C.
ProvenanceCW purchased from Roderick Moore of Ferrum, VA, in 2005.
Moore notes that the banjo was found in the Chattanooga area of Tennessee, where Chapman is a very common name in the 19th and 20th centuries.