W. A. Cole Eclipse #3000 Model 5 String Banjo, c. 1895, made in Boston, Mass., black varnish finish, maple half-spun rim; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
Overall length is 36 9/16 in. (92.9 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 27 in. (686 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). A nice old frailer; looks and plays well but not a completely original banjo. The neck/dowel attachment system has been changed, with the patented Cole dowel adjustor replaced with a standard endbolt and wedge setup. Most other hardware is original; a few replaced hooks and/or nuts and a later No-Knot style tailpiece are the only changes. There is an old heel repair, clean and solid but visible. All of the lovely engraved pearl inlay is intact and original, there is some neck wear but fingerboard and frets are well preserved. A good player's example of the most iconic of Cole's Eclipse banjos, priced considerably lower than an all-original Model 3000. Very Good Condition.
