S/N 07010
The Lansing
This is a unique but fantastic example of a late 1890s "The Lansing" model. Popular beliefs persist, and the belief that L.B. Gatcomb didn't produce banjos after 1895 is one of the more persistent ones. But he did, as was shown many years ago when a Lansing model built for a Maine native was found, with a "mfd. Aug 97" penciled on the inside of the neck heel. While the date on this one is not so subtle (what with being carved/chiseled into the dowel stick) there's no reason to believe that it wasn't "marked" by the proud owner of a new Gatcomb banjo. Also of interest is the 5-digit serial number. Thanks to Jim for the detailed photos.
This is a unique but fantastic example of a late 1890s "The Lansing" model. Popular beliefs persist, and the belief that L.B. Gatcomb didn't produce banjos after 1895 is one of the more persistent ones. But he did, as was shown many years ago when a Lansing model built for a Maine native was found, with a "mfd. Aug 97" penciled on the inside of the neck heel. While the date on this one is not so subtle (what with being carved/chiseled into the dowel stick) there's no reason to believe that it wasn't "marked" by the proud owner of a new Gatcomb banjo. Also of interest is the 5-digit serial number. Thanks to Jim for the detailed photos.