I have for sale in excellent original condition, a circa 1917 Orpheum #3 Special 5 string banjo. I am selling it only because I can no longer play comfortably due to arthritis in my hands. I purchased this banjo several years ago and it came from the family of the original Florida owner, who I was told was a professional musician in the early 1900's era. This banjo is unmolested (except for two tiny screw holes on the back rim wood where I was told a resonator was once used by the original owner). The banjo has no damage or cracks, chips, etc. The banjo is exactly as the original owner last left it. I have done nothing to it since I have had it except play it. It comes with the original case in very good solid condition, leather handle also good and all latches work. When I got this banjo, the case cubby was full of old banjo strings and wood bridges dating to the 1920's era, and I will pass those on to the new owner as well. The original wrench for the banjo is also in the case. The only thing missing is the key for locking the case. Here are the banjo's serial numbers, etc: on the stick is stamped: 8766, also on the stick is a tag marked: C. BRUNO & SON, inc. DISTRIBUTORS, NEW YORK. On the inside rim is the tag marked: ORPHEUM, made by RETTBERG & LANGE, NEW YORK. Next to the tag is stamped: PATENTED 724833 with a small 6 after that. The banjo has an old Jos. Rogers Jr. goat or calfskin head which is in excellent condition and has likely been on the banjo for at least 80 years. No rips or tears. The banjo has a very straight neck, plays true all the way up the neck. Upper fretboard has some normal playing wear as do the upper frets as expected, but all frets play true with no buzzing or sour notes. All of the tuners and tuner buttons are original and work properly. This banjo has a most beautiful tone and excellent volume. The 'ring' of this banjo is particularly beautiful throughout the upper neck range. If you know these banjos, you know they are world renowned for their unique and wonderful tone and sound. This banjo would easily clean up to museum quality if someone wanted to take it apart and polish the metal, etc, I don't believe it has ever been cleaned like that. The finish is all original and excellent for an instrument of this age, and I believe the tailpiece is original. All of the original ornate inlay abalone and pearl is intact. String height at the 12th fret is 4 mm, which could be easily improved with a proper set up of the banjo. As I said, I have done nothing to the banjo except play it just as I got it. The armrest also dates to the time this banjo was made and is likely the only one that has ever been on the banjo. If you are looking for a beautiful, unmessed with example of this fairly rare banjo, this is it, and at a decent, realistic price to boot. This was a top flight banjo in it's day and the highest production grade Orpheum banjo in their catalog. No disappointments here. Feel free to email me with any questions or for many more detailed photos. Thank you.
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