A 1926 Bacon & Day SilverBell N0.1 Plectrum banjo made in Groton, CT. This banjo was formally owned & played professionally by Paul Mcilroy who lived in South Africa. It is the 22 fret version.

A little bit of history

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 especially with the longer scale length.

Banjo details

The neck is 100% straight with low playing action and It plays in tonal perfection up the fret length. There are some little scratches and dings which is what you’d expect for a professionally played instrument over 100 years old.  5 piece maple/ebony neck with ivoroid binding along the fretboard edge. Ivoroid-bound 22 frets ebony fingerboard with varied MOP inlay pattern position makers, and has a scale length of 26 and a quarter inches (66.7cm) 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. Original geared tuners with ivoriod cream buttons.

The resonator is finished in a dark brown sunburst and connected to a f style flange. 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 banjo will be fitted with a new white smooth top Remo 11″ head (photos taken before restoration).  Original Oettinger 4 finger tailpiece and B&D armrest. Fitted with new nickel strings 12,17,28,38 and comes with original black leatherette hardshell case.

Banjo serial #

Details:

• f hole resonator flange
• 22 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
• Oettinger 4 finger tailpiece
• Original hardshell case