Gibson mastertone prewar,
Any idea of value and condition
FON 8834-87
According to Spanns Guide to Gibson, (Joe Spann, renowned Gibson historian) 8834 was a1927 batch of TB 3's and PB 3's
Pictures of the banjo in question would certainly help with IDing the instrument in question
Hey John, According to Joe Spanns' book, Gibson - 1902 to 1941, batch FON 8834 is a style 3, either a TB (tenor) or a PB (plectrum) banjo. that's a two piece flange, from 1927. IF that is indeed correct, the banjo you have most likely has a No Hole archtop tone ring. Those seem to be slightly more valuable than the same banjo with a 40 hole archtop tone ring. My guess as to worth is somewhere in the mid 2000's, about 2500 dollars or so, maybe just a bit more. Of course that is dependent upon how clean the banjo is, whether or not it might need any work or repair, whether all the parts are all there and no major parts have been replaced, (Unless a part has been replaced with the period correct and proper part.) As they say down south, it's worth what the seller and buyer decide it's worth!!
Thank you so much for your help, I have pictures which I will be posting soon on this platform, all parts and serial numbers markings match, it is in great condition and seems to be all original.
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