S. S. Stewart “Acme Professional” 5-string banjo, circa 1900

Just before 1900, Stewart contracted with Sears to produce its "Acme" line of banjos.  These were freely advertised by Sears as being Stewart banjos, and this model, the "University Glee", was the top of the line.  With its elaborate pewter and pearl vine fingerboard inlay, carved heel, and peghead inlay, it was a pretty fancy banjo, but it sold for only $22.45 in the Sears catalog.

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