A about a month ago, I purchased what I believe is a WALDO Open Back Banjo. The instrument needed to be put back together and I had Nylgut Strings installed, so I've only had the banjo in my possession, since Saturday. (Pictures posted earlier in this post).
I have found that my little 'Waldo' was made mostly by the J.B. Schall Co., of Chicago and was made sometime in the 1890s. J.B. Schall (1878-1907) was a Chicago banjo maker who made many Schall-marked banjos and banjos marked with the names of noted performers and teachers. Schall also made many unmarked banjos and sold parts to other makers. Some banjos marked Waldo, a performer whose banjos have been reported to have been made by the Burroughs Company located in Saginaw, MI, appear to have been made by Schall, or at least using Schall parts.
With a 10" head / pot, this makes this a parlor or ladies' banjo. The tailpiece, a 'cammed-no-knot, is a desireable item and quite collectable. I paid $100, but I was told that on eBay, sold as is, I could get between $25...