You are bidding on a very rare and unusual Open-Back 5-String Banjo from the mid/late 1800's with lots of abalone and some seriously heavy duty hardware.  There is no name on it so I don't know who made it or really anything about it, any information would be greatly appreciated.  It was definitely a high-grade professional instrument in its day, and although it does actually play well and intonate well up the neck - I mostly used it as a wall hanger.  I cannot say for certain what is original and what isn't, but nothing jumps out as being changed except the tailpiece (a modern no-knot), everything else looks like it has been there for a very very long time.  The scale length is 25 1/4", the total length is 34 1/4", and the head width is 10 1/8".  The neck has a beefy "V" feel to it and has some really awesome carving in the back, the sound is quite pleasant.  Please ask all questions prior to bidding, I will try to answer them the best I can.  Buyer to include $50 for insured shipping to the lower 48 States, other locations may vary and internationals must email me prior to bidding.  Thanks for looking and good luck!