therealjayvi - Posted - 06/24/2016:  09:55:08

Hello everybody! I stumbled upon the site here probably about 20 minutes ago and I like the feel of how everything works here :) I have been playing guitar for just over 10 years now, and I've also picked up on learning every other string instrument I could ever get my hands on: ukulele, mandolin, and now the banjo.... briefly, I should say. The banjo that I have I played for a little over a week before checking in to see exactly what I have. After a couple Google searches I thought it best to gently put it back in the case after a few pictures and now I find myself here!

The model I have is a 1928 Bacon & Day Silver Bell Montana Special #1 22-Fret 4-String (Serial #25342). It is in a surprisingly good condition! Not perfect, it's missing a screw that holds the (I just call it the snare drum, but I know that's probably incorrect) to the rest of the banjo. There is slight wear on the back of the "snare drum" that shows a Bald Eagle. The rest of the banjo looks, feels and plays AMAZING. I found another site earlier today (acoustudio.dk) that chronologically lists all of this particular model by serial number. The moment I realized that the serial number for my banjo was not listed there is when I decided to put it away and not touch it anymore >.< the closest serial number listed there is #25343 (1928), and being that mine has serial number #25342 I assume that mine as well is 1928 because there are no dates to be found on the banjo itself.

Does anybody have an idea of what exactly I have and how much I could expect if I sell it?

I just added about 12 more pictures to my account. I'm a little unfamiliar as to how the site works otherwise I'd have put more pictures here...

Edited by - Texasbanjo on 06/24/2016 11:10:14

saulsmanb - Posted - 06/24/2016:  10:15:54

Congratulations! There are several people who are really knowledgeable about these banjos and can give you accurate information.

You may wish to ask for your thread to be moved to the Collector's Corner as the experts tend to visit there more regularly, (or you may wish to start a new thread there.)

Best of luck.

Brian Saulsman 

therealjayvi - Posted - 06/24/2016:  10:26:24

Hey thanks for such a quick reply I appreciate it! Thank you for the advice I will go bring the topic over there! Unless if a mod could please move the topic over to the correct thread? I mod a forum myself and I'm pretty strict about double posts so just wanna make sure first :)

Nashvolk - Posted - 06/24/2016:  10:57:57

Looks like a bit more than I've got! That's awesome.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 06/24/2016:  11:10:03

A very nice looking banjo. 

I think you might get more information on your banjo and what it might be worth if we put this in the Collector's Forum.  We have several people who might be able to help you date it and give you an idea of either what it's worth or where to find out.  So.... I'm moving it to the Collector's Forum.

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 06/24/2016:  11:15:14

22 frets makes this is a plectrum banjo. Don't try tuning it like a tenor banjo.

It appears that you are missing the pedal for the mute and at least one of the resonator attachment thumbscrews. The eagle decal was added later by one of the banjo's owners.

Mr. Polle Flaunoe, a member here, should be able to help with your questions, and possibly any missing parts. He's an acknowledged expert on this particular make. I'm sure he'd also like to add your banjo to his Bacon serial number database. I suggest you send him a private message.

OM45GE - Posted - 06/24/2016:  11:23:35

Nice.

Joven - Posted - 06/24/2016:  11:35:58

it is a nice plectrum banjo

Many people prefer the B&D's over anything else

However the market for plectrum banjos is not as strong as it would be for 5 stringers

My 2 cents

LisaSimpson - Posted - 06/24/2016:  13:35:00

It might be worth sending pics and an inquiry to Turtle Hill Banjo. 

jbalch - Posted - 06/24/2016:  14:14:28

There is a group for "Bacon & Day" banjo owners.  here is the link:  banjohangout.org/group/baconandday

Several B&D experts post here regularly.  It would help if you identify the make and model of your banjo in the thread title so that they might see and respond.  Otherwise they might not read a generic thread about banjo value. 

Edited by - jbalch on 06/24/2016 14:14:48

therealjayvi - Posted - 06/24/2016:  16:06:00

Wow I really appreciate everybody's responses!! This is such good information and so much more of a direction for me other than Google surfing, I'm so glad I found the community here thank you all!

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 06/24/2016:  23:22:18

What you have is a relatively rare 1928 B&D Montana Silver Bell No. 1 plectrum banjo. It´s now included in my databases.

Per standard this model is nickel plated - if the gold plating on yours is original, the banjo was custom ordered this way.

The eagle seems to be a decal added at a later time by an owner or a craftsman.

Value depends very much on condition and originality - based on your pics etc. I´ll for now estimate its value icw. a private sale to $1,500-1,700.

Polle

Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 06/24/2016 23:25:25

cebracher - Posted - 06/25/2016:  08:29:20

Hey! Another Montana with a red case, nice! Check my profile for photos of the one I picked up in March. Welcome to BH!

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 06/25/2016:  13:14:51

Polle knows his stuff.

I'm not a fan of the Montana..but, Gawd! The B&D plays well!

tony wall - Posted - 06/25/2016:  18:18:08

Hi guys I hav a question if anybody can help I hav an 1980 ode d in as new condition thinkin of selling it can anybody help me value it regards Tony 

therealjayvi - Posted - 06/26/2016:  14:52:21

I just want to say thank you to everybody that has given the time to respond here on the forums! Everybody has been so helpful and I appreciate everybody's feedback!