Well I was finally able to obtain a wrist mute to bring my 1937 Top Tension banjo closer to the way it left the factory.
I have this banjo
http://www.earnestbanjo.com/gibson_banjo_TB-7_mastertone_390-13.htm
I was actually surprised at how the wrist mute works. You can pluck the string and then push down on the mute to deaden the string but in order to get that buzzing sound you have to do things in reverse. You have to push down on the mute, then pluck the string, then let off pressure on the mute. It is tricky as you have to release just the right amount of pressure to get the effect you want.
When you look at the pictures you will see a set screw at the bottom. This works in conjunction with the big dial on the back. They both work to allow you to set the height that the mute will sit above the bridge. There is also a piece of clock spring that sits behind the assembly that pushes on the banjo mute to raise it after you release the pressure on it.
You will also see a picture of the mute from the bottom. When I got it the mute cork had come off the mute and you can see where the old one was. The placement has changed as the mute was originally used on a tenor neck and now is on a 5 string neck thus having a different bridge placement. I used musical instrument cork and obtained it at a saxophone repair store.
Anyway, I just thought I would post some pictures for all to see such a rare piece close up.
The banjo mute is actually chrome plated while the banjo itself is nickel plated for interest sake.
Enjoy
Bill
p.s. It will take me a while to be able to play it well enough to post a sound clip on the hangout.