Originality: Fully so except the 5th tuner and two small triangular pieces of pearl inlay in the board.

Condition: The only significant negative is moderate corrosion of the nickel-plating on the metal cap covering the lower edge of the rim, especially where the neck and pot join.

Background: With the Fairbanks & Cole era roughly being the 1880s, one would expect to find many true fretless banjos. Surprisingly, they are fairly rare. Jim Bollman estimates he has seen only about 6 or 8 “plain Janes” and far fewer decorated examples. Banjos I call the “early style” have tall and very contoured pegheads, moderately big dimensions, and inlays of geometric shapes arranged in patterns. Most of them carry no model designation.

Studying the few known Clippers sheds light on why collecting is such fun and teaches some interesting lessons on collecting. As recently as 1993, over 100 years since they were made, only one Fairbanks & Cole catalog had surfaced (dated 1889) and only a single Clipper model was known. It would have been logical to expect that future Clippers found would be fairly similarly constructed. In just over 10 years another catalog (dated 1886) came to light and 3 more Clippers which show major variations in construction. As one of the company’s highest priced models, they stimulate special attention. Hank Schwartz and I are in the process of tabulating facts about them and would appreciate any input.

About this instrument:
1) One of the very few moderately ornate, true fretless Fairbanks & Cole banjos and the only such I know of a named model.
2) One of only 4 known Clippers and the only true fretless example.
3) The tailpiece is beautifully designed and elaborately carved ivory.
4) “ Patent Applied For” is stamped on the tension hoop, 8 of the 32 washers inside to rim, and most fascinatingly, it is written on a paper label still affixed (after 120 years) to the under side of the tailpiece.
5) Beaded ivory tuners of which the 4 in the peghead are evidently original.
6) Complete set of 32 Cobra (flat) hooks with square nuts with ball ends.
7) Tension hoop has a higher inner surface with a beaded edge and a lower outer surface that hides the flesh hoop.

Click to enlarge: