Gibson Mastertone PT-6 Plectrum Banjo

This is my grandfather's banjo, bought by him new in 1930, at a time when its purchase must have been an incredible act of extravagance or faith.

I've had it appraised, and here's part of the description provided:

...it is a flathead tone ring prewar Mastertone, in the top numbered model -6, in what they called a "Plectrum-Tenor" or PT-model. This has 20 frets (one more than a tenor)...and the long scale of the plectrum. [It] has a non-engraved Grover Patent gold tailpiece...and a gloriously beautiful Argentine Gray resonator, rim and neck with burled maple resonator and flame maple neck.

This is rare, special instrument—only a few a these were ever made—but more importantly this is the banjo my grandfather played for almost 50 years. It is the first instrument I can remember hearing, and it turned me on to music almost before I could speak.

When my grandfather played, the banjo's sound filled the room; it was so loud he had a mute made to soften it. When you play it softly, you can really hear the skin in its voice; hit it hard and it barks like an angry bear. But at any volume, its tone is dark and percussive.