Bacon "Professional FF Special" 5-string banjo, Circa 1913
This extraordinary banjo is not shown in any of the available Bacon catalogs of the period, but it is not unique as I was recently contacted by another player who owns an identical banjo. Especially interesting is the beautiful rim marquetry and the unusual inlay patterns on the back of the peghead and the heel cap. The tag on this banjo says, "Bacon Mfg. Company, Forest Dale, VT", which places it around 1913, and the banjo has remained in virtually mint condition ever since.