I’ve had a fun visit to Ohio with my mom and dad. I saw some of my local family, and some of my family from  far away came too! It was a very happy trip!

One of my wonderful family is my cousin Matt who teaches history and owns this beautiful 1927 banjo! It’s a Bacon & Day (B&D) Silver Belle model. I wish I took a better picture of the silver bells.

Matt pointed out how much work had gone into making the banjo. It is in great shape and it’s very heavy—much heavier than it looked.

Anyway, the case is almost as beautiful as the 99-year-old banjo itself. It’s a wood case with purple plush lining. My favorite detail is the case handle. Someone must have sat down and hammered that out.

Keep your fingers crossed that Matt will write some time for us on Old Spirituals!  He knows all kinds of interesting, obscure history.