Circa 1924 Gibson TB-4 with Kraske Rim

Now almost impossible to find, these circa 1924 (serial #11506-24) TB-4's with the hollow Kraske-style rim have a sound like no other banjo. 

The hollow rim design is the brainchild of Victor Kraske, who had his own company in Chicago early in the century, and patented his design in 1908. He later (around 1910) went to work for Gibson in Kalamazoo, MI as a foreman, and then sold or licensed his design to them. When Gibson went into the banjo business, the Kraske pot was the heart of their very first banjo line. 

Many of these are bought for 5-string conversions, but it is absolutely to see this beautiful instrument with its original tenor neck intact. 

This TB-4 has the longer 21" scale length and no fingerboard extension over the pot. It come with it's original case but unfortunately is missing the trap door resonator.