WS18-6

Bacon ( by Vega) Custom Dragon F. F. Professional 5 String

S/N: 221 1908 11 x 27 1/8 “ 6 1/8 lb.

Fully original

Condition: Mint.

Background: In the 1906 Bacon catalog, the top-of-the-line No. 3 model sold for $100 but the catalog illustration of the back view is somewhat misleading by showing it to have a heel carving of an angel’s face with wings. Such banjos were made, in fact Fred Bacon performed with one, but they were not the standard catalog instrument for $100. It seems that Bacon toured around performing and plugging his instruments by allowing people to request various constructions.

About this instrument:

1) It has all the standard features of a No. 3 ( Dragon) model with the following exceptions:

A) The heel carving portrays an angel’s face with wings.

B) The portion of that carving that extends up the neck is lovely but less elaborate than the catalog illustration in 1906.

C) The expected star inlay in fret 5 was omitted in favor of a simple scalloped diamond position marker.

2) In the construction of this 3-piece neck, the grain of the two main blocks of wood has been very carefully re-aligned giving a lovely visual effect.

3) The condition defies belief.

Click to enlarge: