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Silverbells

A beautifully restored 1926 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 It plays in tonal perfection up the fret length. The neck has been professionally refinished along with the resonator.  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, (20 frets to the tension hoop) and has a scale length of 23.5″ 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 beautifully 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 is fitted with a new white smooth top Remo 11″ head and one of Marinie Toman’s hand crafted ebony bridges, original Oettinger 4 finger tailpiece and B&D armrest. Fitted with new nickel strings 12,17,28,38 and comes with brand new brown leatherette hardshell case.

Banjo serial #17698

Details:

• f hole resonator flange
• 24 fret ebony extended 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 and Hercules geared tuners
• New hardshell case

For Sale £1850

(Banjo on consignment | currently in my possession)

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Beautiful 1926 B&D Silverbell N0.1 with extended finger board and elaborate carved heel.

A super short scale 17 fret tenor banjo made by the Bacon Company 1924.

The Bacon and Day company are universally known for their craftsmanship and exceptional build quality of prewar tenor banjos. The Silver Bell with its tremendous cutting power is highly ranked in the Irish banjoist ‘sought after’ list. In my opinion the Silver Bell model is the zenith of craftsmanship and offers great value for money. This little short scale 22 fret tenor banjo (17 frets to rim) are hard to find these days especially in such fine condition. Totally original apart from newly fitted clear Remo head to project the fine sound from the Silverbell 29 perforated hole tone ring . New nickel strings fitted gauging 12,18w,28w,36w, and action set low.

The Silverbell N0.2 model has the beautifully carved heel with MOP inlay on heel cap and an ivoroid bound 21″ scale figured maple 5 piece neck. The maple resonator has 3 concentric maple rings finished in original tobacco stained finish. The nickel plated flange, hooks & nuts are in very good condition including the arm rest which has a little wear through to brass. The overall original lacquer finish to the neck and resonator are in very good condition for an instrument of its age as is the polished nickel plated metal parts. There is a beautiful tone to this banjo and the action is set low perfect for playing Irish trad or jazz.

Banjo Details

• Built in the USA 1926 (SN: 17331)
• 22 fret ebony extended fingerboard with diamond cut pearl inlay position markers.
• Dark stained birdseye maple neck with 3 ply veneers, rim and resonator with dark stain finish.
• Fancy design pearl inlaid head-stock with the Silverbell name.
• Original B&D armrest.
• Oettinger adjustable 4 finger tailpiece.
• Original Grover Tab 2 tuners with ivoroid buttons and MOP inlay at rear of headstock.
• Nickel plated flange with f shaped cut outs.
• Comes with original snug fit vintage B&D case in good condition.

For Sale £1850

(Banjo on consignment | currently in my possession)