130.     $500

E. Howard “No. 5 Banjo”, ca. 1885.  Like Diogenes searching for an honest man, I’ve been looking through this group of banjos for an honest E. Howard – and I think I’ve found one.  This No. 5 is all original except for the repainted dial and the replaced bottom board, no doubt due to a weight fall.  The grain painting on the case is strong, the glasses original but flaking in the black background rather badly.  The brass movement is signed, the weight is numbered 5, and the pendulum and stick are Howard issue.  Even the weight shield looks original.  It is running without issue.  $500-$1000.