WS14-2

Fairbanks & Cole            Un-designated Fretless                                5 String

 

S/N: 2568            1882                         12 5/8 x 18 7/8 ( Nut to Rim)               5 1/8 lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Excellent.

 
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. I initially had this instrument classified as one of the “early style” versions. Considering all the features that lead to such a classification, this banjo seems to be an “in-betweener” and one could argue either way but the peghead seems closer to a standard Fairbanks & Cole shape.
 

 About this instrument:

1) Ex-Bollman Collection.

2) One of the most elaborate true fretless Fairbanks & Coles seen.

3) Superb, elaborately carved heart-shaped ivory tailpiece.

4) Carved ivory tuners and bridge.

5) Lovely decoration around the rim exterior composed of pearl, metal, and wood marquetry.

6) Inside of the rim constructed with a flange just under the skin head.

7) Tension hoop has a raised inner surface with a rolled top edge that curves attractively over the top of the hooks. The outer surface is lowered and hides the flesh hoop.

 

Click to enlarge: