History Banjo Steering Wheels?

Arguably one of the handsomest tillers out there, the banjo wheel has been used for a long time and in a number of makes. Based on some casual research, it looks like Ford used them from ‘35 to ‘39 on Deluxe models. Can anyone tell me where and when the style originated?

-Dave

 

I can't help with the origin question but here's one I sold to a HAMBer recently. It was custom made to a 13 1/2" diameter.