$1,200
C. F. Martin & Company (American, founded 1833- ), 1923-1926. A scarce and desirable four-string tenor banjo with mother of pearl circular inlaid position markers on neck and fingerboard, metal resonator composed of nickel plated heavy brass within an all wood hoop, in original black fabric covered case with dark green velvet lining. Marked on with maker on back of wooden peghead with "C.F. MARTIN & Co. NAZARETH, PA". Marked on underside of tailpiece "GROVER PATENT PRESTO".Side of rim marked with serial number "GROVER PATENT NO. 1371760". Banjo length approximately 30.5". Note: Martin only produced tenor banjos between 1923 and 1926 in an effort to compete with Vega and other manufacturers. Compared to other banjos at the time, Martin's lightweight case made it more appealing. The banjo was designed by their firm in conjunction with Albert Deane Grover, the noted American banjo player and inventor of numerous musical parts and accessories. This is one of only 96 created. The company stopped production due to the demand for their ukeleles and guitars.One of their tenor banjos is held in the C.F. Martin Museum Collection.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2017-01-16
