W. A. Cole’s “Eclipse” 5-string banjo model 5000, S/N 6452, Circa 1900
This
banjo was the highest grade banjo in the Cole catalog at the time, and featured
exquisite engraved pearl all over the peghead and fingerboard, a finely carved
boat-shaped heel, ivoroid bound finberboard and rim, and "cobra" brackets.
Since no detailed manufacturing records for Cole have been found, the dates
given for the Cole instruments in my collection are approximations.
