Clifford Essex Paragon Banjo

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Essex players

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For players of Clifford Essex banjos, of whatever type.

20 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

Administrators: Bill Rogers (owner)

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From Triker on 9/8/2014 2:53:43 AM

Hi Guys - I have a Clifford Essex Paragon Banjo which I bought for £400 back in the 1980's. I have done some research (much easier now than it was back then) and I think that it may be over 100 years old - Does anybody know if it can be dated by the serial No. ?

6 Comments
	BDCA says: 9/8/2014 3:37:36 AM There is a lot of Paragon expertise on the Irish Tenor Banjo web site. Mine is 1433 and I have it dated to 1919. I bought it from the original owner who confirmed that it was purchased in 1920. Is it a tenor or 5 string? Pics would be nice. Cya! Bob
banjowilly22 says: 1/15/2015 11:09:01 AM Hi to all you CE fans.As a collector for 40 plus years, I have a lovely collection of These fine Banjos. If any one needs any help or advice, feel free to contact me, as I have a fair knowledge by now. Keith
banjowilly22 says: 1/15/2015 11:12:17 AM The CE Paragon was first introduced in 1924. I own Paragon Tenor number 3 !! It is the earliest known example. Keith
banjowilly22 says: 1/15/2015 11:12:33 AM Hi to all you CE fans.As a collector for 40 plus years, I have a lovely collection of These fine Banjos. If any one needs any help or advice, feel free to contact me, as I have a fair knowledge by now. Keith
	CEParagon124 says: 1/19/2015 11:23:46 AM My Paragon five string is serial number 124, so based on Keith's info, I'd guess 1925 to 1930. I have no idea how many CE might haved made per year in those days. Charlie
Awgydawg says: 2/1/2017 4:21:51 PM I have an all original Paragon, including the tailpiece and cover and original leather case. The number is 1339 which dates it to early 1927 according to the 'Dating' threads which are archived. Also, to confirm this, the page tuners are marked patent pending and the patent was not given for these until 1929. I bought mine in 1976 from the 'Vox Shop' in Charing Cross Road for £465.
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