Bacon & Day represents the zenith of tenor banjo making in the 1920s and their banjos are highly sought after by players who appreciate traditional or Irish music.
This 1927 B & D Silver Bell Special No.1 features 19 frets, and 24 Brackets. There are lovely pearl neck inlays and headstock decorations as well as a small diamond type pearl design on the back of the headstock. The 11"pot is of dark stained wood, perhaps Maple and the neck appears to be Mahogany with a white-bound Ebony fretboard. The skin head has been replaced with a new plastic head and there is a great oettenger tailpiece with individually adjustable string levers, otherwise the entire instrument appears to be all-original. (The oettenger may be original as well). The instrument is in remarkably good condition for its age with relatively few marks or dings. The back resonator is lovely and retains a nice original shine and the neck and headstock are likewise beautiful. The tuning machines also appear original and all function well. It comes with what may be its original older black case with remains in usable condition. This banjo is basically as nice as you’re ever going to eve rfind one of these 1920s beauties. It plays and sounds great and is ready to give years of enjoyment to its next owner.