S/N 5838
Immediately noticeable is the "non standard" headstock shape that was offered on most Gatcomb banjeaurines. While Gatcomb maintained his signature headstock shape on most banjos (the notable exception being many Student models) the banjeaurine models were generally different . (It should be noted that a couple of specimens had the traditional Gatcomb headstock, though it's unclear if they were original to the instrument or factory replacements.) This one is offered for sale through RetroFrets of New York with the following description:
L. B. Gatcomb & Co. Monarch #15 Banjeaurine , c. 1895
L. B. Gatcomb & Co. Monarch #15 Model Banjeaurine, c.
1895, made in Boston, Mass., serial # 5838, natural varnish finish, spunover
rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
Overall length is 27 3/4
in. (70.5 cm.), 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in
depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 18 3/4 in. (476 mm.). Width of
nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). This is a fairly well-worn old Banjeurine but
remains a good player with a sweet sound. The rim and hardware appear original
including the hooks, nuts and neck tension adjuster; it is set up with an older
plastic head and a repro No-Knot tailpiece. Plating is moderately tarnished but
substantially intact. The neck is in good shape including the fingerboard and
frets, the headstock has some heavy wear to the back (edges especially) and
apperars to have had the face re-veneered and both sides polished out in the
distant past. Tuners are period (possibly original) Champion style with a violin
peg for the 5th string. The dowel has an old mark from a resonator installation
and appears to have also been polished out at some point but all markings are
still legible. Still very functional after 110+ years, a cool piece from the
Boston banjo's golden age. Overall Very Good + Condition.
Item # 5225
L. B. Gatcomb & Co. Monarch #15 Banjeaurine , c. 1895
L. B. Gatcomb & Co. Monarch #15 Model Banjeaurine, c.
1895, made in Boston, Mass., serial # 5838, natural varnish finish, spunover
rim, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard.
Overall length is 27 3/4
in. (70.5 cm.), 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm.) diameter head, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in
depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 18 3/4 in. (476 mm.). Width of
nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). This is a fairly well-worn old Banjeurine but
remains a good player with a sweet sound. The rim and hardware appear original
including the hooks, nuts and neck tension adjuster; it is set up with an older
plastic head and a repro No-Knot tailpiece. Plating is moderately tarnished but
substantially intact. The neck is in good shape including the fingerboard and
frets, the headstock has some heavy wear to the back (edges especially) and
apperars to have had the face re-veneered and both sides polished out in the
distant past. Tuners are period (possibly original) Champion style with a violin
peg for the 5th string. The dowel has an old mark from a resonator installation
and appears to have also been polished out at some point but all markings are
still legible. Still very functional after 110+ years, a cool piece from the
Boston banjo's golden age. Overall Very Good + Condition.
Item # 5225