This would make an outstanding Christmas gift for the banjo enthusiast the has it all... this is about as close to "prewar" specs as you can get, without paying the big bucks.
This is a 1954 all original Gibson Bowtie in excellent condition for it's age... there is the typical checkering and and yellowing of the binding which is typical for a banjo 58 years old. Try finding a 1954 Bowtie with no buckle rash (some light scratches and a few small dings too small to capture with a camera)... that's it and very little wear on the armrest. Definitely a closet queen with VERY minimal fret wear. The tailpiece pictured is a reproduction, but I do have the original tailpiece and bridge... they will be included. I also have two sets of vintage MAPES strings that will come with the purchase and the original Jos Rogers Jr calfskin head. The calfskin head needs to be restretched on it's ring if it's to be re-used. I installed a modern Remo low crown head. There are no railroad spikes installed and the neck is perfectly straight. Original case (WITH KEY!!!) comes with the banjo and is also in great shape.
This is also a VERY low serial number of 4 884 1... this translates in that the "4" means 1954... the "884" is the batch number and the "1" means the first banjo in the batch. As you all know, this was the first year for the "Bowtie" pattern. According to Banjophiles.com, there were only 62 of these made in their 1st year of production... how many of those are actually left in their original condition? A first year of production 1954 Bowtie in this condition is definitely a rarity!!
The pictures say it all but be sure to send me a message if you have questions. I can send additional pictures if requested.
Interesting trades will be "considered" but please look at the price I'm asking and offer accordingly. An example of an interesting trade would be a Huber VRB Series with the engineered rim and HR30 ring or a mint condition Gibson RB4.
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