rudykizuty - Posted - 06/04/2013:  09:49:52

As a teen in 1979, I accompanied my parents on a road trip to visit the old Liberty Banjo Co. in Bridgeport, Conn. That day, my father purchased a 1924 plectrum B&D Silver Bell. Shortly thereafter, it was given to me as my first plectrum banjo. What a thrill it was for a young guy to own and play one of the finest plectrum banjos ever produced. 

Unfortunately, by 1989 I was no longer playing and circumstances forced me to sell the banjo. It was sold to a friend and former band mate who, in time, sold it to another old friend and former band mate. Last week, I heard from the latter gentleman. He was looking to move the banjo and remembered how much the banjo meant to me when we played together in the string band. 

Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Mr. Jim Rivell Sr., (BHO member B&D-JIM) my first Silver Bell and I have been reconnected after 24 years of being separated. I am absolutely thrilled to have her back. Thanks, Jim!

brunomathilda - Posted - 06/04/2013:  10:33:41

Wooaw.

How kool is that

That is very nice to have  such a beautiful instrument back.

Congratulations

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 06/04/2013:  11:40:58

Anthony,

Congrats once again!

Is it gold plated - or is the light cheating?  If gold plated - is this original to the banjo?

Please give me the SN and any further detailed infos for the database.

Also - please check the Oettinger for any factory shield stamp and/or a possible Pat. Pend. stamp.

Polle

Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 06/04/2013 11:43:08

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/04/2013:  13:34:01

It was originally nickel and was replated in gold many years ago. As for the tailpiece, I believe it to be an early Richelieu reproduction. You have a PM via FB with further details.

PS thank you. It feels very much like being reunited with an old friend. 

Edited by - rudykizuty on 06/04/2013 13:34:54

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 06/04/2013:  23:43:48

Thanks - I´ve included it in the database.

Polle

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/05/2013:  07:11:12

Thanks, Polle!

PS played this banjo at a local neighborhood concert Aqua String Band performed last evening. It felt like an old friend and I received many compliments. 

Edited by - rudykizuty on 06/05/2013 07:21:06

BrittDLD1 - Posted - 06/05/2013:  08:56:56

Hi Anthony --

Congratulations on being reunited with an old friend! (Or is it more like a family-member?) I've been lucky enough to be able to buy back a few instruments (that I later regretted selling) over the years. It really is like meeting an old 'friend' that you haven't seen in 20 years. ENJOY!

Best- Ed Britt

Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 06/05/2013 08:58:16

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 06/05/2013:  09:37:52

Wow. I'm getting misty over here.
That is a great story and..My My..that's a hellava banjo.
I absolutely cannot part with my 26 b&D. I can play things on there that are indescribable.
Welcome home old friend.

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/05/2013:  11:55:08

Thanks, guys. Here is a photo from last night's concert. My first public performance with the banjo since 1986! That's me, 3rd from the right wearing the ballcap.

Edited by - rudykizuty on 06/05/2013 11:56:44

Mike Casey - Posted - 06/05/2013:  15:04:23

Great story and I'm glad you got the banjo back where it belongs. Hey, what's that guy playing down on the far left of the photo?

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/05/2013:  15:41:35

Thanks, Mike. The last 5 guys on the other end of the stage are all playing accordions.

PS Two of them are high schoolers and one is a grade schooler. It's incredible how well they can all play. 

PPS The guy sitting two chairs to my left at the right end of the photo is playing a very beautiful B&D Montana Silver Bell #1, also plectrum.

Edited by - rudykizuty on 06/05/2013 15:47:35

Barnaby Bojangles - Posted - 06/05/2013:  23:32:18

Hi all,

I'm new to BHO and this is my first forum post.
This is a great story, a great banjo and a great photo!
I wish I could've been playing with that banjo/accordion orchestra, my, my.
I also have a vintage '24 B&D Silver Bell No. 1 Plectrum, that will be 90 next year.

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/06/2013:  02:33:26

Thanks, Barnaby and welcome to the hangout!

aroblin - Posted - 06/06/2013:  03:23:55

Congratulations, Anthony!

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/06/2013:  03:28:41

Thanks, Andrew!

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 06/06/2013:  03:29:10

Anthony,

I´ve never had a plectrum example of this first version of a Silver Bell in my hands - how do you compare it with your other and later B&D´s?

Polle