Topic: Tintype photo, 1870's String Band

[phhawk]

Here is a photo of a string band with 3 fiddles, 1 banjo, 1 cello and 1 cornet, probably seeing it. Thought you might enjoy seeing it, assuming that I am able to get it to attach.

Phil

[dj]

Nice picture!  Any idea of who these guys are or where the photo was taken?

[frankie]

that is one manly cello bow!

[blueshome]

that is one manly cello bow!
Like a rip saw! looks like there should be someone on the other end.

[Stumblin]

that is one manly cello bow!
Like a rip saw! looks like there should be someone on the other end.

I noticed the oversize hacksaw too. You made me laugh out loud, thanks!
That's a great photo.

[Kokomo O]

Is that a slotted headstock on the banjo? If so, I don't think I've ever seen that before.

[phhawk]

I'm afraid I don't have any idea where the picture was taken, although, likely back east. Nor do I have any idea who they are. The photo could be as early as the 1860's (Civil War era).

As far as details about the instruments; I'm sure you folks would have a better idea than me. It seems like the valves of the cornet are on the side rather than on the top.

One does have to wonder about what kind of music they played and what it sounded like? It seems like an interesting combination of instruments. Maybe some mid nineteenth century music expert can weigh in?

Phil 

[uncle bud]

Thanks for the great photo, Phil. Love the guy taking the hacksaw to the cello.

[Parlor Picker]

that is one manly cello bow!

It looks like a German-style double bass bow.

[onewent]

Cool picture..slotted head banjos were made in America until around the turn of the 19th/20th century, I think by Paramount..I'd seen on in person.  Also, English zithers (banjos) had slotted headstocks, too, and had two tuners on one side and three on the other, and the 5th string actually runs through a tube under the fingerboard and exits at the nut.  Not sure when they began manufacture, though.  I own one of those, and am in the (long) process of installing a new head.
I was thinking this could be a photo from Europe, due to the banjo and cello bow, but one look at the cocked hats on the gents leads me to believe their American 
..Tom