Bacon Special Grand Concert (Deluxe) Model 5 String Banjo, c. 1913, made in Forest Dale, Vermont, French polish finish, laminated white holly neck, laminated maple and holly rim, origianl brown leather covered hard shell case.
This was Fred Bacon's top-of-the-line banjo long before David Day became his partner; the 1914 catalog of the Bacon Manufacturing Co. of Forest Dale Vermont describes the model as "Positively the finest banjo ever made, both for tone and looks. A WORK OF ART". While the folks at Fairbanks/Vega might have argued that point, certainly this is a very elaborate and beautiful-sounding instrument. Retailing in 1914 at $125.00, this was absolutely one of the best banjos of its day.
Overall length is 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm.), 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm.) diameter head, and 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 28 in. (711 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
Beautifully original condition, including tuners, No-Knot tailpiece, and old Rodgers three-star head. About as nice an example of a 90+ year old banjo as we ever expect to see! Includes the original hard leather case, and a selection of period string envelopes. Excellent Condition.
