Fairbanks & Cole 5 String Banjo, c. 1888, made in Boston, natural varnish finish, spunover rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
A splendid example of an 1880's Fairbanks and Cole banjo, simply ornamented but beautifully made. Small "Ladies' size" spunover rim with typical early F&C hardware, simple tone ring, tailpiece stamped "Wm Gerke R.I. Patented Jan. 31 1888". Comfortable round-backed neck with early 1880's style round heel and vestigial cutout under the end of the fingerboard.
The neck is tightened to the rim with Fairbanks' early screw adjustor, as patented in 1887. Position marks are inlayed celluloid dots, not exactly in the 'right' positions generally expected now! Pegs are early plastic-button metal friction tuners.
This banjo has an interesting historical notation inside the rim�a student apparently carried this already more than 30 year old banjo with him at college in the 1920's, as the inner head bears the inscription in ink "Earle C. Davis, Tufts College '25". While probably used to play pop songs of the day alongside ukulele players, this banjo was already a 'vintage' instrument well before the Depression!
Overall length is 33 1/2 in. (85.1 cm.), 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) deep. Scale length is 24 in. (610 mm.).
Surprisingly fine shape for an instrument this old; no major damage or repair ever performed. Plays and sounds fine, apart from some scratching to the headstock face and typical plating corrosion. As nice as one would expect to find. Excellent Condition.
