sj - Posted - 07/07/2012:  10:55:31

I inherited a B&D Serenader Silver Bell 4-string tenor (No. 9996) and I would like to learn about its history. I am also interested in determining a fair-market value for this instrument in very good condition.

Any information you provide will be of great help. Thank you.

sj

beezaboy - Posted - 07/07/2012:  13:19:28

There are folks on BHO that can tell the story of your banjo a lot better than me.

But I'll start the ball rolling.

The B&D branded banjos originated circa 1923's and were made by The Bacon Mfg. Co located in Groton, CT.

In general, the Groton-made B&D banjos are highly prized.

In fall of 1938 a hurricane struck Groton and high water flooded the Bacon factory and ruined it.

David Day, an officer and general manager, of the Bacon company contracted with The Gretsch Mfg. Co. in Brooklyn to continue to make B&D banjos under Day's general supervision in order to fullfil existing orders, etc.

In 1940, the Bacon Co. failed and Gretsch purchased the rights to the Bacon and B&D tradenames.

Gretsch did not make banjos during WWII but resumed making B&D branded banjos in 1946.

The 1948 Gretsch catalog listed B&D (or Bacon) models: Senorita, Serenader and Symphonie.

You have a Gretsch made B&D branded banjo. - Serenader model.

You cannot establish a date of manufacture from serial number with Gretsch B&D's.

I would guess that yours is circa 1960's.

In general, Gretsch-made B&D banjos are not as prized as the original Groton banjos.

Ebay ball park estimate on value for yours is $750 but there are some who might opine a higher or lower figure.  The presence of the original knee mute and brown case is a plus and would certainly affect the FMV positively.

Edited by - beezaboy on 07/07/2012 13:23:28

jbalch - Posted - 07/07/2012:  14:28:35

I think John is on the right track.  Looks like yours has the archtop type silver bell tone ring and an Oettinger tailpiece. 

I linked this thread to the Bacon & Day group:  banjohangout.org/group/baconandday

Edited by - jbalch on 07/07/2012 14:29:25

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 07/08/2012:  09:28:03

I am in agreement with Beezaboy above.
Also as regards the current market price.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 07/08/2012:  10:39:24

Yes - indeed a fine posting / description / explanation by John Hoft (beezaboy) above.

However - on basis of its features and its serial number I´ll set its manufacture to late 50s.

Normally a late 50s Gretsch built B&D will keep a higher price / value than a 60s example - however the added RVD initials at the fretboard will most likely reduce the price / value somewhat.

My own estimate for its value will be as mentioned by others - appr. 750 bucks.

Polle

beezaboy - Posted - 07/09/2012:  06:14:44

Attached is a photo of my friend and pen-pal Dave Herbert with his Serenader tenor banjo in 1949.

Dave appeared as a banjo contestant on an ABC television show in 1949.

Dave won first prize!  It was a B&D Serenader supplied by Gretsch for the show.

Dave played his Serenader for several years but ultimately traded it for a Vega Plectrum Banjo.

Jose Silva had some influence in persuading Dave to switch from tenor to plectrum.

Dave went on to star in his own television shows in Cleveland and Miami.

When in Cleveland Dave always opened his show with "Four Leaf Clover", the tune that inspired him to take up the banjo back in 1948.

Dave Herbert - 1949

jbalch - Posted - 07/09/2012:  11:58:09

That is a cool old photo.  Does he have a Paramount tailpiece on that old Gretsch/B&D?

Edited by - jbalch on 07/09/2012 11:58:39

beezaboy - Posted - 07/09/2012:  15:34:09

John

No.  That tailpiece is a Gretschie.  You don't see them too often but I got one from Rene Karnes at last year's FIGA convention.  They are Paramount design with "Gretsch" engraved on top.  They are not as robust as the Paramount tailpieces that they mimic.

I took a snapshot of my tailpiece.

I'm supposed to be putting on my Gretsch Serenader but just too lazy so it has been sitting in a box for almost one year.  I'll get to it soon.

Gretsch Tailpiece

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 07/10/2012:  03:11:12

"They are not as robust as the Paramount tailpieces that they mimic."

My experiences with both are quite opposite.

Polle