Official Luthiers Forum!

I have had an SS Stewart guitar Brought into my shop for repair/restoration But I'd like to give the guy an estimate of it's value before We start any work. It needs a neck reset, crack in top and one on side repaired and a full going over. I realize that it probably will cost more than it is worth to repair but It has sentimental value to the owner (was his grandfathers) so he wants it fixed regardless (he says). Still, before sinking money into a restoration job I like to let a person know the guitars value so he is making a truly informed decission. The owner says it is at least 60 years old as his grandfather quit playing 60 years ago when his brother and band mate was killed. It has the numbers 0133 on the end of the head stock and 509624 on a top brace. Ladder braced inside. I goggled to get info and to try to determine value and date but came up with nothing. If anyone has any suggestions on where I could get info for appraising it for the customer I would appreciate it greatly. If you want to just tell me what you think it's worth that is great to.

Arvey,
The guy to call or email is Stan Jay-owner of Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island NY. www.mandoweb.com
He will know it's value.

Samuel Swain Stewart was a banjo maker in Philidelphia in the last half of the 1800's. After he died his children sold the brand to Tonk Brothers of Chicago (they also bought the Washburn name when Lyon & Healy sold it). Some of the early Stewarts (1920's) that I've seen had Brazilian back & sides, ladder braced. Late 30's & 40's were mahogany possibly made by Regal or Harmony.
These are not of great value to collectors and all that I've seen need a fair amount of work to be players. One that is repaired & set up could be worth $500, but like most of this stuff it's really worth whatever a customer would pay for it.

GD

This one looks like flat sawn birch top and Back and sides.