WS15-14

Fairbanks                     Curtis Electric                               5 String

 

S/N: 15493         1896             11 15/16 x 26 5/8"                   4 ½ lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Excellent.

 

Background: Curtis was A. C. Fairbanks’ son and an accomplished banjoist. Photos exist with him in formal attire and a charming one showing father and son playing 2 banjos with his Dad’s arm around his neck.

 

Features of this model: An intriguing model for several reasons. The details for its construction were included in the patent application for the Electric tone ring. As far as I know his father was proud and fond of Curtis which raises the question of why, having so many superb designs, he would have elected to name a rather humdrum model after his son; humdrum in decorative features and mediocre in sound quality. From its construction one could almost argue that it should have been called a “ Curtis Eclipse”. It has no true Electric tone ring and what it does have more closely resembles the Cole Eclipse with its rod sitting atop metal pins. Dowel sticks are stamped “Curtis Electric” and very few are extant.

 

About this instrument:

1) Ex-Bollman Collection.

2) Inlaid Maltese Cross celluloid tuners.

3) Celluloid tailpiece.

 

Click to enlarge: