WS15-19

Fairbanks                     Electric No. 3                                  5 String

 

S/N: 14393      1895                        11 7/8 x 27 5/16"            5 1/8 lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Excellent.

 

Background: With the No. 5 & 6 s sharing top spot and no evidence that No. 4s were made, No. 3 Electrics were next to the most elaborate offerings by Fairbanks until 1901. While not common, survivors suggest they sold better than No. 2 models did.

 

Features of this model: Necks are mahogany. Pegheads are inlaid with 5 piece floral designs and  board inlays are elaborate Art Nouveau shapes. The heel carving is a fairly short floral pattern. Pots are full spun and some have attractive veneers lining the inside surface. In the early years tuners and tailpieces were of elaborately carved ivory which later gave way to metal patent tuners with celluloid knobs.

 

About this instrument:

1) Ex-Bollman Collection.

2) Striking oak veneer inside the rim.

3) Elaborate hand carved ivory tailpiece and ivory Maltese Cross tuners.

4) Square ( 4 sided) nuts.

 

Click to enlarge: