Thompson & Odell Artist Open Back 5 String Banjo c1880s

This is the "Artist" model by Boston Massachusetts firm Thompson and Odell. This banjo is in great condition for its age. Its had "new" tuning machines added many years ago, the buttons are bone but still retains a friction violin peg for the fifth string. The neck is perfectly straight. No bow or warp. Currently strung with Clifford Essex nylon classical banjo strings. I've not adjusted the neck on this banjo, its as it would have been from new i.e. flat with the drum head giving an action at the 12th fret of 1/4 inch. High for todays standards but I wanted to keep it original. The dowel stick at the tail end of the banjo could be shimmed to adjust action if required. Head is skin not synthetic.

Thompson & Odell was legally incorporated in 1891. Odell retired from the company a year later in 1892. Thompson passed away in 1903 after which the business went bankrupt in 1905 and their remaining assets were sold off. The music publishing side of the operation was absorbed by Carl Fischer while the band and orchestra instrument segment was taken in by the Vega Company.

Note: this is an antique banjo and shows typical age related signs of use.