Pickin' around on a pre-war banjo. Original head. Nice folky, Dock Boggs sort of tone on this one.
Beltone was the trade name of Perlberg & Halpin, an instrument distributor in New York. Their instruments were built by other firms and it's possible their banjos such as this one were made by one of the Chicago makers.
This example has been restrung and set up. It plays pretty well and has a mellow, 'old timey' tone more than a bright, driving bluegrass one, courtesy of well worn, original hide head. The tuners and bridge are replacements. It holds tune very well. There was a repaired crack in the headstock that runs perpendicular to the nut and doesn't affect anything except cosmetics.
Interesting old banjo with a lot of character and a lot of songs left in her.