Fairbanks & Cole “Imperial” 5-string banjorine, S/N 9543, Circa 1889

This banjorine is very similar to the one shown in Gura and Bollman's book, and has a 12-1/2" head.  Note the very nice saw-cut inlays and the carved bone tuning pegs.  These short scale banjos were used as the violin in banjo orchestras, and they frequently played lead parts.

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