around 1909.   The Tu-ba-phone tone ring has a square crossection with holes perforated on its inner surface and is considered to this day,  one of the finest tone rings for both tenor and 5-string frailing banjos!   This particular tenor is a No. 9 model with intricately engraved mother-of-pearl inlays and a highly detailed neck-heel carving!  These Tu-ba-phone No. 9 banjos are not only sought after as tenors,  but are highly valued as potential conversions to 5-string claw-hammer instruments!

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