Fairbanks Senator Model 5 String Banjo (1920), made in Boston, Mass., mahogany stain finish, laminated maple rim, mahogany neck with ebonized fingerboard, period black hard shell case.

The Senator was about the plainest banjo in the Fairbanks/Vega line but a fine quality instrument nonetheless. Built with a simple sheathed metal tone ring and plain mahogany finish, the Senator was a no-nonsense student banjo that is nonetheless highly prized today as a stellar old-time and frailing instrument. While the materials and finish are Spartan, all construction and fitting is to a typically high level as with all Vega banjos from this era. This one has an atypical oddity-the dowel stick was stamped "Special" and then overstamped to "Senator", a factory adjustment that is unusual but not unknown on these Boston made instruments. A lovely player and fine example of a nearly 100 year old Boston banjo.
 
Overall length is 35 1/2 in. (90.2 cm.), 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.). Good original condition overall; there is some finish chipping on the top side of the rim and general finish and plating wear over the entire instrument. All hardware is original except for a more recent No-Knot tailpiece. Newer nut and bridge, set up with a recent skin head. A fine playing and sounding old-time banjo, complete with a very cool period HSC decorated with an old 1920's prep school sticker. Overall Very Good + Condition.