WS14-8
Fairbanks & Cole “Pierced Star”
Un-designated Model
5 String
S/N: 1868 1881 11 1/4 x 27" 4 3/8 lb.
Fully original except missing
one bracket shoe and bolt ( strangely, I have the hook and nut)
Condition: Near mint.
Background: After discussing
several banjos of what I call the “early style” Fairbanks & Cole, we now shift to
those having the more typical peghead shape that persisted on into the
Fairbanks and Vega eras. Decorating with numerous small pieces of colorful
pearl in geometric shapes soon gave way to the use of more attractive saw-cut
shapes. Perhaps as a brief interval phase between those two, some instruments featured
inlays whose edges are notched or serrated creating an attractive effect. This
banjo illustrates that technique and led to the name Jim Bollman gave it.
About this instrument:
1) Ex- Bollman Collection and
as such it was pictured in his section of the first Tsumura book ( page 108, 2nd
photo on the lower row).
2) Has a tone ring consisting
of a brass bar atop the rim.
3) Pearl inlays with notched
or serrated edges.
4) Pearl inlays around the
lower outer surface of the rim.
5) Ivory bridge.
6) Elaborate ivory tuners and
tailpiece
7) Tension hoop has a raised
inner surface with a beaded top edge and a lower outer surface that hides the
flesh hoop.
Click to enlarge:
