C. 1889 Fairbanks & Cole Imperial 5-String Banjo -Used

This Fairbanks & Cole Imperial was made in Boston around 1889 but as there is no serial number it’s difficult to be more precise than that. This banjo was made during the partnership of W. A. Cole and A.C. Fairbanks, which lasted from 1880 to 1890, when the partnership broke up and they both started rival banjo companies. The Imperial was one of four models the pair built and it was in the middle of the line. This example is in excellent structural and cosmetic condition and it appears to have all of its original parts, including its matching engraved bone pegs and tailpiece.

This banjos has its 30 original brackets and matching tailpiece hanger. Tailpiece stamped “Pat. 9-21-86” (of course tailpiece could have been changed but we doubt it). Note that upper portion of one of the rectangular string-hanger “studs” of the tailpiece is broken, but the grooved bar at the front is an excellent string anchor. The lower edge of the grooved tension hoop has about five dents, presumably from someone having trouble removing it years ago. A washer has been added to the tailpiece hanger but all the rest of the hardware appears to be original. The frets appear to be original and thanks to gut (later nylon) strings those frets have almost zero wear. Finish appears to be original, however the finish on the headstock facing looks too good to be true so we’re assuming at least that surface was French-polished years ago. Although its current outer coloring is a bit odd, the skin head on this banjo was nicely fitted so we left it alone. The neck is remarkably straight. Includes a hardshell case.