BACON BELMONT 4-STRING TENOR BANJO ca. 1946/'47. V/G Cond. Pearloid Model.

Description

BACON BELMONT nineteen fret tenor banjo ca. 1946/1947 (Serial Number 107).  Very Good Condition.  This banjo was made by Gretsch for Montgomery Ward starting fall 1946.  Collectable pearloid model.  The banjo is original except for the strings, bridge, head and possibly the armrest.  The peghead and fretboard are "pearlette" (catalog name).  The pearlette peghead overlay is firmly affixed and is not shrinking or lifting.  The brand and model are etched.  The fretboard is bound and the position decorations are also etched.  The fretboard is level and smooth. There is minimal fret wear.  The banjo has a very comfortable contoured 3-piece neck.  The neck is straight.  The catalog model description states that the neck is reinforced with a steel rod.  The finish on the back of the neck is overall smooth and shiny but there are a couple of very small indentations in the finish.  The finish on the back and sides of the peghead is aged and not as shiny as the back of the neck.  It has a 23" scale and the fretboard width is 1 1/16" at the nut.  String height at fret 15 is 3/16" bass side and 2/16" treble side with a 1/2" bridge.  There is also an attractive heel cap.  The rim is 5-ply laminated wood about 1/2" thick.  There is no tone ring or hoop.  The hardware plating is in vintage very good+ condition.  The back of the resonator finish is not scratched or chipped but the finish is crazed.  The outside of the rim and resonator edges are veneered and there is some wear to the edge veneer on the resonator.  The banjo is about 33" long with an 11" head and weighs about 7 1/4 lbs.  It has unbranded friction pegs and an unbranded adjustable tailpiece.  Sold as is.  Banjo comes in a period hsc with working latches.  Shipping only to physical addresses in the lower 48 states U.S.A.  No  post office boxes.