That's a great story about the Stewart, Mark. They are great banjos. I've heard they were originally meant to use nylon strings and to be played in the classical style that was so popular in the late 19th century. Dave Guard played an old Stewart on the Kingston Trio's first two albums. I would love to find one (cheap and in fixable condition). Here's a neat little history of Stewart banjos:
http://www.mugwumps.com/sss_date.html