WS22-2

Cole                                  Eclipse Bird Model                          5 String                         

 

S/N- 337                1890                             11 1/4 x 26 ½ “                4 7/8 lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Near mint.

 

Background: At any given time, the Cole line of Eclipse banjos apparently consisted of 5 different grades of elaborateness. In the early years, the middle level was the Bird Eclipse. In later years it was replaced at that position by the “Professional” model. Based on contemporary Ditson prices for the Professional model, the Bird probably cost about $ 55.  Bird examples are quite rare and the very early ones featured saw-cut inlays without engraving.

 

About this instrument:

1) Ex- Bollman Collection and as such pictured in his section of the first Tsumura book ( page 110, 3 rd on bottom row).

2) Very early example with only the bird itself showing even minimal linear engraving and the dowel stick stamped, “ Pat. Applied For”.

 

Click to enlarge: