This wonderful vintage tenor banio oozes character and has amazing tone courtesy of the famed Vega Tubaphone tone ring. All the metalwork carries original gold plating. Inside, the matching numbers on rim and stick indicate a manufacture date of the 1930s and even the Tubaphone ring is gold-plated, but the banjo has 1943 stamped on the rear of the peghead (I do not know why). Standard 10 & 15/16ths head and good neck angle courtesy of a neck reset by Knight Guitars, it's set up with a highish action to accommodate a vigorous strumming style. The action could go much lower by reducing the nut slots and bridge height but I'll leave that to you. The neck shows a mild bow giving a relief of around 1mm when the A string is held down at first and last fret. I find this acceptable but you should know about it if you want a perfectly straight neck. Condition - the banjo has seen plenty of life. The neck has been blown over leaving the original finish wear visible. The rare original gold plating is worn in places. Original gold Planets work well. The hooks have lost much plating and some have been touched up with gold paint(!) The banjo has been refretted with what looks like guitar frets. There is some binding missing on the resonator (pictured) and the resonator has had a section cut out at the neck pocket to allow a closer fit. The armrest has distorted with age and the original case is tatty looking but works well with good hinges, catches and handle. Overall, this is a lovely old banjo that is becoming harder to find each year, with some warts that could be fixed if you wanted, or it can just be enjoyed in its current condition, showing the honest patina of 75 years' use. You're welcome to view it as TW15 (evening) or GU9 (daytime)