Try Geoff Hohwald at Banjo Warehouse. He might be able to help you.

I assume it’s a resonator model because you posted in bluegrass playing advice. What tone ring does it have? That affects value.

You might try asking any of the several businesses that trade in used and vintage instruments. Gruhn's, Elderly, Pickers' Supply, RetroFret, Bernunzio's, and Greg Boyd come immediately to mind. They should have an idea of what such an instrument could sell for. They also might consider such a request as asking for an appraisal and not offer this information for free. Not for me to say.

Also, since the insurance company will likely want to insure the banjo at replacement value, you could try to find the closest comparable new banjos available today and value yours accordingly.  To that extent, you could look at what Ome is producing today in its new Florida home.

quote:

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Originally posted by Unclelevi

1 - I can't find a suggested value on it anywhere, (for insurance purposes) . . .
2 - Looks like I would have to make a trip to Denver to a music store to get an idea what it's worth.

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1: Have you talked with your homeowners insurance agent or broker, or directly with the insurance company, to ask about whether and to what extent your banjo is already covered and what kind of documentation you need to provide as to its value?

Some policies provide guaranteed replacement value. I think Actual Cash Value is more common. But they're likely to do a depreciated value based on age.
If you use the banjo professionally to perform or teach, your homeowners policy might not cover it all. And for certain types of property, there may be limits.

So besides learning the value of your Ome, you really need to learn what type of coverage you have. To insure your banjo for its full worth or replacement value (if that's possible) you may need to add a "rider" or "scheduled endorsement" to specifically cover your banjo.

Which means start with your insurance agent or company. 
 

2:  Ome banjos are now made by Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida, so you don't need to go to a music shop in Denver to learn the banjo's value. It might be worthwhile to write to Gold Tone and ask what they would charge for a Columbine were they to make one identical to yours. If they answer, that would be the most definitive replacement cost available -- unless you could find a used one on the market for a real-world comparable.

I would think there’s a shop in the Twin Cities that could apprise your banjo. It would be worth the trip, it seems to me

I’m missing Ed Britt and the wealth of knowledge that died with him. He had some design input into the Columbine I believe , and may have owned the prototype

George Gruhn does appraisals of instruments based on you sending him a pile of good clear close up photos via email. He writes a detailed appraisal. Go to Gruhn Guitars on line to see his website.

Last I heard he was charging $100 to do this, but it's been awhile and it probably costs more now. When I had mine done back in the 1990s it was $35!