W. A. Cole Eclipse # 3000 Model 5 String Banjo, c. 1896, made in Boston, black varnish finish, maple semi-clad rim, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard.
An extremely nice example of the Cole's Eclipse #3000 banjo with the famous man-in-the-moon headstock inlay, one of the iconic banjos of the classic five-string era. These are generally considered to be one of the finest 5-string open back banjos ever made, rivaling Cole's ex-partner Fairbanks' instruments in beauty and craftsmanship, if not always in sound. These banjos have many distinctive and unusual design and construction features.
The laminated black finished maple rim is fitted with Cole's distinctive oval shoes and Eclipse tone ring. The "Boat Heel" neck and dowel are straight and true the Cole's neck adjustor is working perfectly. Dowel is marked "Cole's Eclipse"; "W.A.Cole Maker Boston Mass" and Patented Jan-30-1894". The trademark beautiful engraved shaped pearl fingerboard and headstock inlays are extremely crisp and particularly well-executed on this banjo. The tuners are older (probably 19th Century) metal friction pegs with grained ivoroid buttons and the tailpiece is an unmarked Elite, and there is a railroad spike is added at the seventh fret indicating this banjo has probably been used for steel-string playing for a long time.
Overall length is 36 in. (91.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) deep. Scale length is 27 in. (686 mm.).
Very well preserved, with light normal playing wear. Minor finish loss to bottom edge of rim; light wear to back of neck. One noticeable 1/4" scratch on headstock above B string tuner. Plating still shiny, all original rim hardware intact.
Set up with an older Rogers skin head. Plays very well with a great old-time sound. Excellent Condition.
