A very rare example of a Style C Vega Fairbanks banjo from 1911.

All original and all intact. An absolutely beautiful, museum quality piece.

No major issues, very much playable and ready to go. Sounds wonderful.

A very rare model that was only offered for a short time. It did not sell very well and was discontinued shortly.

This is one of the only examples in the world to survive to the modern day. There are less than a handful known still around.

As far as I can tell, a style C Fairbanks Vega banjo has never come up on the online market, and it might not again for decades more.

It was listed for $50 in the Vega Fairbanks catalogue in 1912, a value of about $1600 today.

Serial number 27245 is matching throughout the instrument on the dowel stick and the inside of the rim

The neck is supposedly inlaid with ebony to prevent warping, and after 110+ years it is still straight.

Marked with the pearl gryphon head, star, and trefoil on the ebony peghead.

The gryphon head design was usually inlaid to designate a higher end model of banjo until WW1, when most of the pearl inlays were substituted for simpler designs or cut out altogether.

Excellent floral carving on the heel that may be unique to this model.

The tone ring is made of brass, and the lower outer rim is imitation tortoise shell.

The diameter of the pot is 11 inches.

The height of the banjo is about 36 inches.

Neck length is 19 inches.

Includes original grover bridge and national branded fingerpicks.

The side of the banjo with the 5th string tuner is missing some celluloid on the side of the neck halfway down, this is pictured and does not affect playing.

The only other issues I have identified is slight resistance to tuning and some wear on the face, but I consider the age shown to be a good thing.

Be advised, I am not a banjo expert, and the vast majority of information has been acquired through hours of research and help from the good people on the banjo hangout forum.

Also includes what I believe to be the original case. You can choose whether or not this is included with the shipment, but by default I am shipping them together. I may elect to send them in two separate boxes due to the age of the case.

A very rare opportunity to own a banjo that there may not be more than a handful of left on earth, let alone one in this condition with all original parts.

Consistent with every other recorded style C, there is no model marking anywhere on the banjo.

It should go without saying but I'm not accepting returns on this item. I will be purchasing insurance for the shipment in the event anything irreparable happens to it in transit.

It will be professionally packaged and insured, signature will be required.

Local delivery available in the DFW area.

Made in the USA

Message me with any questions or offers.

SHIPPING TIME IS WILDLY INACCURATE: ITEM WILL BE SHIPPED WITHIN 3 BUSINESS DAYS.

Please see pictures for all included and best description of condition.

Again, message with any questions or offers.