Windsor Whirle Gem Supremus Five String Banjo 1920s

Windsor Whirle Gem Supremus Five String Banjo with 22 fret finger board.

This banjo is nice vintage condition with no major flaws. It comes with its original case, which could do with some restoration work, since the top has been reinforced with gaffer tape.

Made by A.O. Windsor who, until the factory was flattened by a WW2 bomb in 1940, was the largest maker of fretted instruments in UK.

As described in the 1927 Windsor catalogue:

THE WHIRLE DANCE BANJOS
The Gem Supremus model

The NECK is made of very old seasoned wood and polished in its rich natural colour. The Fingerboard is inlaid with pearl positions. The shaping of the neck provides an ample width for the Peg Head on which are fixed Windsor’s Improved Geared Pinion Pegs which are absolutely non-slipping.

The RIM is made from Chrome-plated brass spun over a wood foundation. 16 Chrome-plated J brackets and a Recessed Bezel. Vellum is 10 5/8th inches.

The RESONATOR is made from wood, artistically inlaid and cellulose polished, is easily detachable, and of a most ingenious design, comprising a large interior circle of metal sections which when assembled, form sound holes, producing a wonderful tone and effect. The Banjo is provided with an interior tone ring.

The banjo is made for five strings. G Banjo with 22 frets and a 27.5″ scale. C Tenor banjo with 19 frets and a 23″ scale

Price in 1927 was £6.6s.0d when around £3.0s.0d was an average weekly wage.