subpoenaman - Posted - 03/14/2018:  14:40:46

Hello, My grandfather recently passed and I was left a very old banjo. It seems to be in very good condition and I would like to identify what exactly I have. I've have followed some google searches which took me to this sight.
I will add some photos, it is B+D Serenader Silver Bell, from one chart on the web it seems the serial number # 33271 seems to be 1933.
all the serial numbers match, it is labeled The BaconBanjo Co. Groton Conn. USA. I would like to sell this Item and was told I should take it to a local music shop, the one I went to didn't seem to have any knowledge of this instrument. I realize you are not able to give an exact appraisal by looking a pictures but I would like to get some Idea where I should start. I know My grandfather enjoyed this instrument for many years.
Thanks JLMoore

 

The Old Timer - Posted - 03/14/2018:  14:55:06

Bernunzio Music in Rochester NY could probably appraise and sell it for you.

Fathand - Posted - 03/14/2018:  18:33:07

The few pictures are enough to know that it is interesting and a nice banjo but not enough to know much more. The Case Candy looks nice, The Knee Mute alone might be worth $200.

RioStat - Posted - 03/14/2018:  18:43:47

Jeeeez........sure wouldn't keep Grandpa's banjo, that he loved playing, in the family.......

jbalch - Posted - 03/14/2018:  18:58:15

John: try adding "Bacon & Day Serenader Silver Bell" to the title of this thread. That way you will attract comments from some of the B&D experts around here.

Edited by - jbalch on 03/14/2018 19:00:42

Andy FitzGibbon - Posted - 03/15/2018:  05:54:52

quote:

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Originally posted by RioStat

Jeeeez........sure wouldn't keep Grandpa's banjo, that he loved playing, in the family.......

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Seems to me that keeping or selling a banjo, and the reasons for it, are the owner's business alone. He asked for help with valuation, not help with deciding what to do with his own property.

Andy

RioStat - Posted - 03/15/2018:  06:17:44

quote:

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Originally posted by Andy FitzGibbon

quote:

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Originally posted by RioStat

Jeeeez........sure wouldn't keep Grandpa's banjo, that he loved playing, in the family.......

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Seems to me that keeping or selling a banjo, and the reasons for it, are the owner's business alone. He asked for help with valuation, not help with deciding what to do with his own property.

Andy

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A well deserved rebuke, Andy.

I was trying to be sarcastically "funny"....but sometimes, the written word doesn't seem the same as when the thought is bouncing around inside your head.

My apologies to the OP.

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 03/15/2018:  13:38:06

There are no photos of this banjo's resonator. I can see the holes in the rim whe4re it would be attached. If it is missing, that will affect the value quite a bit.

subpoenaman - Posted - 03/16/2018:  09:03:06

yes it has the resonator, which is in good condition with showing some wear which I believe was from rubbing against the clothing when being used. I am under the impression that I'm only allowed 3 photos otherwise I would have posted it.
Thank you for all the help you are all giving me. As for Riostats comment it would be a shame for this instrument to sit in the closet even though I love the Idea of learning to play, with the type of work I do, It wouldn't work, There are no other family members who I believe are mature enough to care for this.

 

banjotrader - Posted - 03/22/2018:  06:43:50

PM - Sent