WS22-1

Cole                     Eclipse Butterfly Model                                    5 String

 

S/N- 2429                   1896                                10 5/8 x 26 ½ “                5 lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Near mint.

 

Background: The 2 top grades offered of standard Eclipse models both featured a butterfly inlay in the 5th fret and they are called Butterfly Eclipses. Two different patterns were used interchangeably for the peghead inlays. Because one is considerably more elaborate, most people assume it “belongs” on the top grade but this banjo is an example to the contrary. The top grade Eclipse instrument is correctly distinguished by the use of white binding on the sides of the fingerboard and the lower outer edge of the rim as well as by having a flat heel with carving on its bottom surface.

The absence of a surviving Cole catalog prevents knowing what Cole called this model but a contemporary Ditson catalog advertised it as the “ # 4000" model with a cost of $ 64. 

 

About this instrument:

1) Featuring the fancier of the 2 peghead inlay designs, this illustrates the superb Cole engraving which took a backseat to no one.

2) As the next to the top grade of Eclipse, this banjo has the typical boat-shaped heel with the usually-seen carving with the addition of a ram’s horn that has appeared on a few banjos by both Cole and by Fairbanks.

 

Click to enlarge: