Hey all! I have just become the caretaker of what I think might be a 1931 RB-1. The FON is 34-9, stamped in the rim, painted and chalked in the reso. Problem is, I can't find any more examples from that batch. Spann's book lists FON #34 as RB-1. The banjo is not in pristine condition and has been modified. However, I feel like most of the parts are original. Although the neck now sports a fingerboard/peghead overlay that is basically a "Wreath" pattern, the size and shape of the neck leads me to believe it is an original Gibson prewar RB-1 neck. If the tension hoop is original, it is definitely a 5-string. The flange appears to be chrome-plated but it has the typical flare around the neck notch that almost all prewar Gibsons have. It also has the Doehler mark. Someone installed a bowtie era 4 hole AT tonering in the banjo. Lastly, it has a 2-piece armrest and a Grover "windowpane" 5-string tailpiece. I haven't taken it apart yet (it's been laying under a bed for the past 13 years) but when I do, I'll take some photos. In the meantime, if anyone has any info or examples of FON #34, please let me know! Thanks!
Here are some photos of FON #34-9. All opinions welcome!
Great find, Lynwood! Others with more expertise can comment on the pictures, but there were custom orders that were assigned random numbers (page 99 in Spann's guide). I have am early 1928 rim with a legit FON (confirmed by Joe) that has a totally random number unlike anything else. Just something to consider in the search for more info.
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