W. A. Cole’s “Eclipse” 5-string banjo Circa 1897, model 3000, S/N 3670

After the Fairbanks & Cole partnership dissolved, Cole manufactured banjos under his own name, the best of which were equipped with the "Eclipse" tone ring system.  The model 3000 was about in the middle of the Eclipse line, and all featured lovely boat heels and exquisite engraved pearl inlays.  This model is frequently referred to as the "Man-in-the-Moon" model.  This example still has the original Cole bridge.

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