Bacon & Day Silver Bell #1 Model Tenor Banjo, c. 1925, made in Groton CT, brown lacquer finish, maple neck and rim.
A very early 19-fret Silver Bell, with some unusual appointments. The flange has round holes instead of the familiar f-hole shaped cuts and there was never any mute, this example pre-dating those features. The resonator back is beautifully carved figured maple, bound in celluloid but with no nameplate.
The two-way multi-laminated neck has a deeper profile than most Silver Bells, and the inlays in the bound ebony fingerboard have a more delicate look about them. Three-ply laminate headstock (both front and back) has a small decorative pearl piece on the back as well as elaborate face inlay. The Silver Bell tone ring sheath has round portholes facing inward, but none facing outwards as many early Silver Bells do.
The label reads "BACON BANJO CO. inc., Banjos of Quality, Groton Connecticut, PAT PEND." The tailpiece is a Grover Presto instead of the later Oettinger, and the armrest is a simple wire. When this banjo was built the B&D Silver Bell line was a new item, and many of the familiar hardware choices had not been finalized yet.
This is a charming and very interesting banjo historically and also a great-sounding tenor.
Overall length is 34 in. (86.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.).
Completely original except for the tuners, which are period-correct original Ludwig Planets with unusual and very attractive amber pearloid buttons. The headstock (back and front) has been French polished to correct marks from other tuner installations, a few small chips missing on the face.
The rest of the banjo shows some light plating wear; finish is excellent. Set up with a clear plastic head and an ebony/bone cap Grover bridge. Plays perfectly with a deep yet incisive tone. Excellent Condition.
