Fairbanks & Cole “Imperial” 5-string banjo S/N 4604, Circa 1884
F&C "Imperial" banjos were introduced around 1883 and featured a half-spun wood rim and, in many models, an extended fretboard. This is an early "Imperial" banjo without the extended fretboard, but with lovely saw-cut pearl inlays and a long early boat-shaped heel that extends right into the "v" in the neck.
