Paramount Style E Model Tenor Banjo (1928), made in New York City, natural varnish finish, laminated white holly rim and neck, original black hard shell case.
A beautiful original example of the very fancy Style E, one of William Lange's fancier Paramount models. The Style E is one of Paramount's most attractive designs, a blonde holly wood gem richly decorated with elaborate marquetry with the metal parts gold plated and engraved. Overall natural finished white holly with chain pattern wood edging, wood binding, and brightly colored wood inlay. Multilaminate neck with full carved heel, carved peghead back, and multilayered wood binding; extremely fancy engraved pearl inlay on headstock and fingerboard.
The fragile original gold-plated Page tuners with pearl buttons are intact and functional. Gold-plated Paramount adjustable tailpiece and "hot dog" armrest. Paramount banjos were a favorite of professional jazz musicians in the 1920's and are frequently seen in period photographs, especially of Black Jazz Orchestras. Selling originally for $290, the Style E is an extremely fancy top-grade professional Tenor Banjo from that instrument's heyday.
Overall length is 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) diameter head, and 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
All original finish and hardware, some general wear to gold plating and small dings and chips but a beautifully original example. Excellent Condition.
