Fairbanks “Columbian No.2” 5-string banjo, S/N 16408, Circa 1896
This banjo is a real surprise. It was made only a bit after my other Columbian No. 2 banjo, but the fingerboard inlay pattern is different from that banjo and the other 2 examples of this banjo that I have seen. It is also a very early Fairbanks “plate” banjo. Thanks go to Bernie Lehmann for his excellent restoration work on this banjo.
