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1924 Bacon & Day Silver Bell N0.1

A beautifully restored 1924 Bacon & Day SilverBell N0.1 made in Groton, CT. The Bacon and Day company was the collaboration of David Day, former plant manager of the Vega Banjo Company and Fred Bacon. The Bacon and Day company are universally known for their craftsmanship and exceptional build quality of prewar tenor banjos. The Silver Bells in particular have exceptional volume and cutting power, with great tonal qualities and very much sought after by the Irish banjoist. The neck is 100% straight with low playing action and has been recently completely refretted, it plays in tonal perfection up the fret length. 5 piece maple/ebony neck with ivoroid binding along the fretboard edge. Ivoroid-bound 24 frets ebony fingerboard with varied MOP inlay pattern position makers, (14 frets to the heel) and has a scale length of 21 – 1/2″ and nut width of 30mm.  The finely shaped heel cap is made from ebony. “B&D / SILVER / BELL” and fancy pearl leaf inlays on headstock overlay. The geared tuners are 5 star quality with ivoriod cream buttons. The resonator is finished in maple veneer overlays as is the outer surface of the maple rim. The flange is the first generation type with the circular hole rather than the f style. Plating throughout is in very good condition as seen from the photos. This model has the Silverbell tone ring with the 29 holes for better acoustic sound. The neck and resonator have been professionally refinished. The banjo is fitted with a new Remo 11″ head and one of my hand crafted rosewood bridges, original ‘Presto’ tailpiece and B&D armrest. Fitted with new nickel strings 12,17,28,38 and comes with original vintage B&D case in good condition. Banjo serial #12016 Sold Details:
  • circle hole resonator flange
  • 24 fret ebony fingerboard with beautiful diamond cut pearl inlay postion markers.
  • 5 piece maple/ebony neck with ivoroid binding along the fretboard edge.
  • Fancy floral design pearl inlaid head-stock bearing the name SilverBell
  • Mother of pearl inlay to rear of headstock
  • Presto style tailpiece and ‘5 Star’ geared tuners with ivoroid buttons.
  • Beautiful maple resonator with lathe turned centre/outer maple rings
  • Vintage hardshell case