gringosid - Posted - 02/05/2026:  10:49:55

I have acquired an old Epiphone Recording A Tenor. Very good original condition. I’m not sure of its age, but would like to know it’s approximate age and it’s value, a little history. My guess is 1920s or 1930s. I’m considering maybe selling it. Heres a photo.

Epiphone Recording A

OldFrets - Posted - 02/05/2026:  11:18:02

There should be a serial number stamped into the flange. It may be on the underside of the flange, in which case you'll have to remove the resonator to see.

The Old Timer - Posted - 02/05/2026:  12:00:01

I find it noticeable how 3 competing banjo brands all settled on "Diamonds" for the fingerboard inlay in their entry level tone ring/resonator banjo models: Gibson Style 3, Paramount A and Epiphone A.

This is a good looking banjo!

gringosid - Posted - 02/05/2026:  12:21:07

I do see a #
It shows Pat Pending 6499

tdennis - Posted - 02/05/2026:  14:06:09

The best date you might get is already what you suspected, generally, 1920's-30's. (According to the book, "Epiphone, the House of Stathopoulo", serial numbers were started c. 1932. Your model was introduced c, 1925.

Edited by - tdennis on 02/05/2026 14:06:37

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 02/06/2026:  06:58:21

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

I find it noticeable how 3 competing banjo brands all settled on "Diamonds" for the fingerboard inlay in their entry level tone ring/resonator banjo models: Gibson Style 3, Paramount A and Epiphone A.



This is a good looking banjo!

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Was that a common pattern offered ready-made by commercial suppliers, which would mean no need for in-house pearl cutting?

The Old Timer - Posted - 02/06/2026:  11:32:06

Ira I've always read/been told that Gibson contracted out their inlay cutting and probably the inlay-ing also, sending out fingerboards for this work. I bet you're right that every inlay contractor's catalog had simple diamonds in it!

ASHbanj0 - Posted - 04/04/2026:  01:22:20

gringosid that seriel number falls somewhere between 1927 and mid 1929 I think! I’d love to see some more pictures and interested if you’re selling

martyjoe - Posted - 04/04/2026:  01:41:39

There would be a keen interest in that banjo here in Ireland. Banjo’s of that quality fetch good money. A lot of players here don’t care which model it is so long as it sounds good.

banjotrader - Posted - 04/07/2026:  08:58:28

quote:

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Originally posted by tdennis

The best date you might get is already what you suspected, generally, 1920's-30's. (According to the book, "Epiphone, the House of Stathopoulo", serial numbers were started c. 1932. Your model was introduced c, 1925.

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Not true!  There was extensive research put into this very topic some years ago.  The banjo in question is in the "late1927-mid1929" period.