Circa 1920, serial #791, mahogany and rosewood, four-strings, double rim with 1918 patent, 21.25 in. scale, likely abalone inlays on headstock and fingerboard. With the original period hardshell case.

Private Collection

This banjo belonged to comedian/actor John Leslie "Jackie" Coogan (1914-1984). As a child, Coogan performed alongside Charlie Chaplin in The Kid (1921). With the passage of time, however, he is best remembered as portraying the affable and wacky Uncle Fester in the Adams Family comedy series during the 1960s. Included with his banjo is one of its original heads that has multiple signatures and some very good cartoons, one dated 1935 is signed by Coogan and presented in a riker mount (stains and two substantial tears).

Ready to play; this banjo shows light wear an stains consistent with its age.