I'm new here. Thanks to BHO, I have identified my Matthews 5 string. I found the Matthews maker stamp (Geo P. Matthews in an arc above - Maker below) on the BACK of the stick under the head. Tried to get a picture with a mirror, but no luck yet. The number 663 is stamped between the stick and the head at the neck end inside the pot. On the same side as the Maker stamp are the numbers 17151 sort of randomly spaced.
I've had it for around 10 years. Only found the makers stamp yesterday. As a couple of other Matthews owners said, not much collector value, but a sweet sound and plays nice. I added a sliding 5th string capo and an ivory Laughing Budda in the back (long story). It continues to be my number one banjo. I also have a Wildwood that was left to me by an old friend, and my original plastic Harmony that I got new in 1970. The Harmony lives on the boat. It's survived two immersions in salt water and keeps on plunkin'.
After reading some posts here I may try the nylon strings instead of my current light weight steel ones.
A friend has a nearly identical banjo with a John Grey plate on the peg head. My impression from here and other sites is that John Grey didn't start making their own banjos until after 1911, and they sold many different instruments, among other goods, so perhaps we'll look at the back of his stick at the earliest opportunity.
I would appreciate any information/opinion as to year of manufacture, or other info.