W. A. Cole Eclipse Model 5 String Banjo (1891-1892), made in Boston, black varnish finish, half-spun laminated maple rim, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, black soft shell case.
An extremely nice example of a rare early Cole's Eclipse banjo with particularly striking and beautiful inlay, including a cut pearl image of a flying bird in the headstock. This instrument dates to the first year or so of Cole's independent banjo manufacturing after splitting with partner Fairbanks, and already has all of the salient Eclipse features including the "boat nose" heel, the Cole neck angle adjustor, the half-spun rim with the Eclipse tone ring, and the elegant teardrop bracket shoes.
This would have been one of Cole's highest grade models at the time, if not the highest. The abstract-shaped pearl inlay on the fingerboard is elaborate and lavish, although with less engraved detail than later fancy Eclipse models. The instrument has its original bone tuning pegs and has never been fitted with any others, and has an especially beautiful period engraved ivory or bone tailpiece that is most likely original as well.
This is a particularly nice banjo from the era of the full flowering of the "classical" 5-string, from one of the most revered of the Boston makers. This exact model is beautifully pictured in an original period photograph of a young girl banjoist on page 226 of the book "AMERICA'S INSTRUMENT - The Banjo In The Nineteenth Century" by Phillip Gura and Jim Bollman.
Overall length is 34 3/4 in. (88.3 cm.), 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm.) deep. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.).
Extremely fine condition; especially for a late 19th century instrument with no modifications and very little playwear. All original hardware except for one hook and nut (a reproduction), one nut that appears cut down, and the tailpiece bolt. Some light edgewear to the bottom of the rim and face of the headstock, two small pinholes in the dowel, possibly from an owner's or retailer's nameplate.
Set up with a recent skin head and bridge and nylon strings�can be supplied with gut if requested. Includes a recent SSC. Excellent Condition.
