I play an 1852 minstrel at the Columbia Diggin's each year in Columbia SHP, California. This tin type was done in the field by Will Dunniway using the authentic camera, tin plate and developing procedures of the period.
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This is really nice. :)
Thanks. It is perhaps my favorite portrait.
Amusing what Photoshop can do, but offensive on a couple levels. I would ask respectfully that this re-touched photo be taken down ASAP.
Not all "minstrels" did blackface. Many solo performers did not. I represent one of those who did not. Both Mart Taylor and John Stone (Old Put) during the 1850s in the California gold country did not do black face. I have portrayed each of these performers in the past and, for the record, I refuse to do blackface.
Great image, John, I thought it was an original at first. I don't know what Dan'l was thinking by retouching your image in such an inappropriate and offensive manner, but rest assured the rank and file here don't find it amusing at all.
I appreciate that and will chalk it up to a momentary, if somewhat extreme, lack of judgment.
John can you tell us about the banjo? The pot must be 13-14", correct? Who made it, etc?
It is one of my 14" minstrel banjos. It has a maple neck and a rosewood finger board. The face is deer rawhide. It has inlayed stars on the peg head and saddle which are washed out in the ferrotype,
but I have a picture of it in my gallery at https://www.banjofactory.com/Gallery.html if you want to see a color version. This is also the banjo featured as my background photo on my web site.
John, I just went to your site. I did not realize the extent of your involvement in early banjo. Glad you landed to share.
Yes, cool site and some nice looking banjos there John.
© 2025 Created by John Masciale.
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