Here is a beautiful example of a TB1, circa 1935.  It is in a virtually un-played condition.  It also came to me with an engraved brass hoop, normally found only on fancy models such as the Granada.  All indications are that it is 100% original.  The calfskin head looks almost new, and even the lid to the case stays open by itself (the little connector straps are still intact!).

As you can see in the above picture, this banjo has no tone ring other than a simple brass hoop that sits on top of the rim, under the head, just inside the tension hoop.  This gives it the look of a flat head banjo, but the lack of a heavy bronze ring cuts way back on the volume and sustain of the tone.  Interestingly, it was a similar hoop-based Gibson that Earl played in many of the early recordings with Bill Monroe - a 1930's RB-11.  It seemed to do the job for Earl!

Beautiful Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard.  Notice that the inlays are not done with the precision that we are accustomed to in the current days of CNC machines and laser-cutting tools.   Some people like that "feature", believing that it gives some personality to the instrument and a hand-made character.