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Hey all,
I picked up this banjo at auction and am looking to identify it. FON 9259-28 is present on the rim and resonator, and would place this solidly in a batch of archtop TB-3’s—which seems correct. However, the gold-plated hardware, engraved tension hoop, and inlays are not to spec…?
I’ve tried to photograph it as best I can. The tuners are marked “Planet Pat. Pending” and the Tailpiece is “Grover Patent.” I will be taking it all the way apart for a good wipe down later, so if there are any other hidden identifying factors to look for then please just shout ‘em out and I’ll make a note and get to them ASAP.
I really appreciate any input!
Sweet banjo! There are lots of possibilities........not the least, that this could have been a "floorsweep" directly from Gibson. However, I would tend to believe someone replaced the TB-3 hardware with Granada hardware. The tension hoop and armrest are certainly Granada parts, and I would imagine the rest of the metal is Granada parts too. Even the tuners appear to be Granada tuners. Regardless of whether is factory original, or has been modified at some point, it's a really nice instrument!
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Would there be any way to identify the hardware as original? Either to this particular pot assembly, or to another? Whether it be a manufacturers ledger, or certain physical stamps/markings. I’m familiar with some resources but definitely not all. And if the tube looks larger, might there be a different manufacturer’s mark to look out for? I’ll attach a few more photos, specifically one closer shot of the neck finish, as it seems in better condition than the rest of the assembly…
I also appreciate the heads up about cleaning. I absolutely agree—I love this patina. A dry cloth for the dust should suffice for me!
Edited by - inJammin on 01/19/2025 12:14:20
quote:
Originally posted by southerndrifterTwo other observations: 1) the tube of the flange looks larger than a standard Gibson tube. 2) there is no "Mastertone" block in the neck. A "wreath" pattern TB fingerboard should have had one.
@southerndrifter
In late twenties absolutely original Gibson two-piece flange pots I have found two different sizes of tubes, earlier smaller, later larger and not interchangeable -- I've tried.
Good to know the tube tracks for the late 20’s. And EXTRA good to know another might not be interchangeable.
The color difference might be due to my photography skills, but I’ll definitely look closer at all the hardware. It seems like it might just be a difference in patina…? Do you know if an unplated tube and flange would have been a factory order, or would it have been an aftermarket mod?
quote:
Originally posted by kylebIsn’t this a style 5?? I’m not sure but it looks right to me, cool banjo!
I thought of that but I don't believe so. For one thing, a style 5 was walnut and the neck and reso on this banjo looks like straight grain maple, like a style 3 of the period. Also, a style 5 would have a wood marquetry inlay on the back of the peghead. Lastly, the engraving on the armrest and tension hoop are definitely Granada style.
Thanks everyone for the input.
I’ve attached a few more photos to help solve the mystery of the neck, since that seems to be the biggest question mark. I figured the construction at the heel might help…? Not really sure. But the frets are super thin with noticeable wear, and the board is pretty torn up—whoever owned it really played this thing!
As for brass vs. good-plating, I’ve attached a picture of where the neck connected to the pot. I’m thinking that would be the place to find the truest colors. I’ve also yet to see a number stamped on the outside of the rim, so that’s something…
Edited by - inJammin on 01/21/2025 09:48:58
Based on the great information Joe Spann recently shared, this appears to be a prewar Gibson neck. If the FON corresponds with a batch of style 3s, common sense says the hardware was changed at some point. Whether it was done at the Gibson factory (which is entirely possible) or a previous owner changed the metal, everything looks legit prewar Gibson to me.
quote:
Originally posted by southerndrifterBased on the great information Joe Spann recently shared, this appears to be a prewar Gibson neck. If the FON corresponds with a batch of style 3s, common sense says the hardware was changed at some point. Whether it was done at the Gibson factory (which is entirely possible) or a previous owner changed the metal, everything looks legit prewar Gibson to me.
Gibson did a lot of strange stuff and would do custom orders. Its possible it was a from a batch of threes that was customised like this. I agree the parts look all prewar. It wouldnt be the only nonstandard banjo gibson shipped back then.
The 28 stamped on the outside of the rim, under the neck heel attachment area, corresponds (correctly) to the 28 suffix on the FON. I have this similar stamp on some of my 1920s Gibsons. When you're really lucky it's also stamped or written on the unfinished face of the neck heel by the lag bolts.
A factory style 5 fingerboard without a Mastertone block would/could have been made in 1925, when the "MASTERTONE" would have been inlaid in the peghead. The side binding would not be plain white however.
Super cool! Yeah, the neck looks almost identical to some of the other prewar tenors I’ve seen—so I’m inclined to agree, that it is, in fact, at least from that era. There is a “9” (maybe?) pencil marked by the lag bolts… But no such luck as for another 28…
I realize in my earlier pictures I failed to point out the engraved armrest, so here are a couple to showcase that. It says “Scott Fuel.” Would custom engraving have been something the factory offered as well?
quote:
Originally posted by inJamminSuper cool! Yeah, the neck looks almost identical to some of the other prewar tenors I’ve seen—so I’m inclined to agree, that it is, in fact, at least from that era. There is a “9” (maybe?) pencil marked by the lag bolts… But no such luck as for another 28…
I realize in my earlier pictures I failed to point out the engraved armrest, so here are a couple to showcase that. It says “Scott Fuel.” Would custom engraving have been something the factory offered as well?
this arm rest makes me think that someone plated and engraved the hardware, perhaps someone named scott.