Re: Victor? Banjolin
Did a little research in the past, and came up with "Victor" as one of the brand names used by British banjo maker John Abbott, or his son. Here's the relevant thread. See if the name "Abbott" shows up anywhere in that headstock dowel.
The instrument does look British, and also pretty inexpensive. Unless your husband is specifically looking to get a mandolin banjo, this is probably not what he's looking for when he says he's "keen to get a banjo."
Australia's not exactly awash in banjos, or so I've heard, but if your husband likes bluegrass, old-timey, or country music, this is not the instrument for him. If he's into Celtic, ragtime, or certain types of blues, a mandolin banjo can be made to work. If the head (or "vellum," in the British vernacular) has been repaired, it may need replacement.
I'd also second Jim G's assessment that a bent dowel stick -- if this instrument even has one; many don't -- is not the most likely problem you could have. The neck angle could be an issue, but there are ways to shim it to improve the situation. That torn head's a bigger issue; the strings look decades old, and from the general crud on the headstock and in the case, it seems to have suffered a period of neglect.
IMHO, you're taking a bit of a chance here, both in terms of the instrument type, and of its general condition. If you're absolutely smitten, that's one thing, but I'd definitely check with your husband -- even if you're planning to surprise him -- as to what kind of music he intends to play on the banjo that he gets. Mandolin banjo is a pretty specialized "niche" instrument these days.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
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Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
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