Here is a Windsor Whirle Junior Gem 5-string from the 20s or 30s. Obviously, it has a resonator, but I'm listing it under the open-back category because you can easily remove the flange plates and go the open-back route. It is not a zither and has a much nicer voice, a cool little banjo with the tunneled fifth and raised tone hoop that plays easily with surprising volume. The banjo is in nice shape for it's age. It has a few nicks here and there, but the frets have plenty of life left and overall it looks good. It is very lightweight and a nice knockaround banjo.
The minor imperfections...the last fret has a small piece of the ebony chipped off. You can see it in the picture. The installed skin head is alright, not great. I purchased it separately (coming off another banjo) and put it on this banjo. The hoop fits fine, but the stretch job is a little amateurish. I will include a Renaissance head, an odd size at 10 5/8", which fits perfectly. The hooks and nuts are not original to the banjo, although they are all matching and period authentic. The 5th is definitely different in color then the rest of the tuners but does appear to be original to the banjo.
It will come with the head that I mentioned above, the strap in the picture, and a padded gig bag that fits it nicely.
Make me an offer. Will also do a trade for this banjo plus cash for a Rickard Dobson Kit Banjo (or equivalent banjo with a dobson-style tone ring).
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