Vega made many versions of their popular Tubaphone tenor, but this rather early example is a variant that doesn't turn up often (big head, short scale, lotsa frets). Since the player dated the Rogers skin head 1918, it's probably the original, and the whole banjo has survived remarkably unscathed, with a straight neck and nice tall original frets. Tailpiece and hook and nut set appear original. The case may not be original as it's oversized for this shell but then Vega couldn't have had exact cases for every head size and neck length they offered!