Lot 2054

WATAUGA CO., NORTH CAROLINA SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WALNUT AND MAPLE FOLK MOUNTAIN BANJO

Previous image preload Next image preload

WATAUGA CO., NORTH CAROLINA SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WALNUT AND MAPLE FOLK MOUNTAIN BANJO

Estimate: $300 - $500

Current Bid: $275

(4 Bids)

by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates
June 27, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
2177 Green Valley Lane
Mt. Crawford, VA, US 22841

WATAUGA CO., NORTH CAROLINA SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN WALNUT AND MAPLE FOLK MOUNTAIN BANJO, a finely-made example, the wide solid rim made from walnut with inlaid maple rectangular panels on the outer edge, surrounds a small round hide (possibly groundhog) head secured with a steel bezel, the back of the head with an intricate cut-out, with a long inlaid and fretted neck and an inlaid five-point star on the headstock. Retains the likely original stellar finished surface with some areas having an attractive crackled texture. Purportedly made by Coy Barker of Boone, NC for his own use. Circa 1915. 36 1/4" LOA.
Literature: See Irwin - Musical Instruments of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, pp. 36 and 41 for similar examples with wide rims and small heads about which the author states that he has found banjos of this type "only in the areas in and around the Great Smoky Mountains".
Catalogue Note: According to the consignor, Coy Barker was a banjo maker working in the Boone, NC area in the first quarter of the 20th century. Evidently, this was the banjo he made for himself.

  • Provenance:

    Ex-collection of Mark King.

  • Condition:

    Very good overall condition with typical minor to moderate surface wear mostly where the object is handled to be played; the walnut rim with a stable shrinkage crack.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We no longer offer direct shipping for items won through Invaluable. After the auction, you will receive an email from [email protected] containing UPS shipping instructions. The email will include a link to a shipping form that must be completed and returned to The UPS Store. If you have any questions, please contact: Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Phone: 540-434-3939 ext. 101 Email: [email protected]

Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000