WS18-4
Bacon ( by Vega) F.
F. Professional, Special No. 2
5 String
S/N 193 1907 10 3/4 x
26 6 lbs.
Fully original
Condition: Mint.
Background: Offered for $75 in the 1906
catalog, this model was midway between the top-of-the-line No. 3 (Dragon) and
the No. 2 at $100 and $50 respectively. Judging by the very small number of
surviving examples, this model was probably the least purchased of the 4 listed
in the catalog.
Features of this model: Striking Flower Pot inlay in the peghead and an
ebony back strap. Lovely floral heel carving that is slightly less elaborate
than those on Fairbanks Whyte-Laydie No. 7 models. Flat (cobra) hooks. Bound
fingerboard. “Internal Resonator” pot construction. Even though the 1906 catalog
shows a plain heel cap, all the examples I have seen have an engraved star
there.
About this instrument: Ex-
Bollman Collection. Purchased from Europe. Made early enough to closely match
the catalog description( For contrast, refer to Bacon S/N 427 in this
grouping). This has the most beautifully engraved Flower Pot I have seen on any
banjo.
Click to enlarge: