WS15-9

Fairbanks                     Columbian                    5 String

 

S/N: 2392        1892                       11 x 25 7/8"                     3 7/8 lb.

 

Originality: The 12^th fret inlay was replaced and the unusual metal tuners were probably added soon after issue.

 

Condition: Excellent.

 

Background: One of the great events of the years leading up to the dawn of the 20^th Century was the 1892/3 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

 

Features of this model: In expectation of the Exposition, Fairbanks managed to introduce this model whose inlays indeed “look 20^th Century”. Abandoning the tried and true Art Nouveau designs, these have a distinctly modern appearance. Judging by the number of survivors, however, this model may not have been very popular.

 

About this instrument:

1) Ex-Bollman Collection and as such, was pictured in his section of the first Tsumura book ( Page 112, upper right corner).

2) Unusual metal tuners with metal knobs. At first glance the 4 black and 1 white knob on the 5^th string tuner would look “wrong” but Bollman has seen these sets on several other banjos from this era and all have been of this combination.

3) Perhaps the best surviving example of this rare model.

 

Click to enlarge: