Hi Bradley,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This was made by the Ludwig Banjo Company, a division of the Ludwig Drum Company, founded in 1909 in Chicago by William F. Ludwig and his brother Theobald. The company was initially famous for drums and percussion instruments, especially snare drums and bass drum pedals. The company became one of the premier American drum makers, still renowned today (now part of Conn-Selmer, a division of Steinway). The company made several models of banjos: Models included: the Ludwig Ambassador, the Ludwig Capitol, the Ludwig Plectrum and tenor banjos, and the Ludwig Kingston, which is what you have. It's nice that it retains its original factory-made/issued lined hardcase.

This could be from the 1930s but it's hard to be quite certain without a serial number (sometimes on the back of the head).

Assuming this still has good musicality (still plays well), this has a fair-market value of $250-350; ones that have been refurbished usually retail for between $400 and $550.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A near antique Ludwig Kingston banjo
made in Chicago, circa 1930s
The neck and rim are usually made of maple, the fingerboard is usually ebony or rosewood, with mother-of-pearl inlays; the resonator is usually made of maple. With its original lined hardcase with metal factory stamp.
Overall length: 34 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in all-original condition; value assumes this plays well and has not been refurbished or have replaced parts.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$250-350*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia