albertm1960 - Posted - 09/28/2016:  07:07:36

I have one of these 19 fret 4 string banjos seriel 18871.  I tried looking up that seriel and could find one that low?  Has anyone heard of this model? Its in pretty mint condition and was thinking of selling it. Thanks

 

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 09/28/2016:  07:30:14

Your B&D Silver Bell tenor banjo was built very early 1926 - do have a look at my general database - acoustudio.dk/BD_and_Bacon_database.html

It was and is still considered the King of 4-string Banjos.

If possible do post some pics - I can then tell you much more about it.

Polle

Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 09/28/2016 07:35:08

albertm1960 - Posted - 09/28/2016:  10:05:55

Here you go, Thanks

 

albertm1960 - Posted - 09/28/2016:  10:11:01

Heres more

 

csacwp - Posted - 09/28/2016:  10:46:32

Looks like a nice Silver Bell No. 1.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 09/29/2016:  03:21:08

Albert M.,

Thanks for posting the pics - your B&D Silver Bell No. 1 tenor seems absolutely time correct plus in excellent condition.

It´s missing some of the bushings for the Grover tuners - but these can easily be found.

The banjo did originally come with a "soft pedal mute" assembly - however the parts are often partly or fully missing on vintage Silver Bell´s - very few players knew how to use this very special feature - hence it was dismantled and later "forgotten". This does maybe also go for your banjo.

As mentioned above your banjo dates to very early 1926 - by late 1926/early 1927 Bacon started reinforcing the necks with a rectangular bar of hardened tool steel - this allowed the company to generally use a very slim neck profile.

The neck on yours seems to be of the original and somewhat heavy profile used for No. 1 SB´s - not my cup of tea - but some players do in fact prefer this.

Polle

albertm1960 - Posted - 09/29/2016:  08:34:17

Thanks for info Polle. I am a guitar player and big fingerpicker, but left handed. I could probably restring this backwards and pluck away.  But also thinking of selling.  Any idea what something like this may be worth and good sites to post for sale. Thanks

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 09/29/2016:  08:57:19

Banjo Hangout would be a good place to post it for sale.