Note:

Banjos have been a popular instrument in American music since the late 19th century. However, their origins reach back many years and across the Atlantic to Africa, where traditional stringed instruments were made using the body of a gourd in place of the drumhead found on later versions. Enslaved Africans brought these early instruments to the Caribbean islands and North America, where they gradually evolved from simple construction into the more complex instruments we know today.

In our November 12 American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts auction, Freeman’s will offer a relic of American musical history: a handmade, mother-of pearl and tintype inlaid banjo, manufactured in the late 1860s. This banjo was made by a veteran of the Civil War, Joseph Culver Barnhardt (1845–1920), who fought in the 148th New York Infantry Regiment. Before and after the war, Barnhardt’s occupation was that of a farmer, where he looked after the family farm, but then had his own farm in Michigan. The underside of the drumhead is inscribed in pencil Made by / Joseph Barnhardt / Jan 17 1866 / West Bloomfield, NY / Imperial Professional Model. Barnhardt’s banjo is modelled after the Southern variety of the instrument, which typically featured a deeper drum than those manufactured in the North.

The various inlays and carvings of the headstock—quintessential of American folk art—were made from an assortment of objects, including buttons, gaming pieces, and parts of other musical instruments. The inlays are modeled after the professionally made banjos of the period. Additionally, the base of the banjo’s neck is inlaid with an early tintype of Joseph in his military uniform, the buttons on his jacket accentuated by gold paint. 

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email benfisher@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.