CLIFFORD ESSEX ROMAN / FACTORY NUMBERS

[marc dalmasso]

By my experience  & except my mistakes , all the models of the Clifford Essex brand have a Roman / factory numbers  ( with the exception of the " Clipper " & " new Clipper " models )

So , you can find these on the reverse side of the Dowel stick / perch pole ; you need a Mirror ; on the tension hoop / bezel ; on the pot , on the rim  and may be on others places .

i have seen an old CE spécial ( unmarked special but with the CE Label ) , which have the Roman number engraved in the Inside of the 5th string ' key .

so , you can find these Roman numbers on the models :  Popular , Imperial , CE special wood hoop & metal hoop , Professional , X special, Boudoir , Regal , XX special , grand concert ........... of course not only on the 5th strings banjos , but also on the Tenor / plectrum / mandolin / tango / cello   etc

some CE banjos have  a serial number , and others not at all

i have the chance to own , 2 beautiful CE special  Metal hoop with a serial number and , of course , a Roman number ;

the 1st one is a plectrum n° 4299 / Roman number  I I

the 2 nd one is a 5th string n° 4300 / Roman number I I I

this prooving something logical in the  CE numbering ' system

However , i have seen only the following numbers :

I I

I I I

I I I I I

X

X I

X I I I I I

X I X

#     (   on a cello )

every info is welcome ; this to discover  :

how many banjos was a batch  / serie ?

the following serial numbers follow by models or mixing models ?

and of course , the main thing , the YEAR of the banjo with the help of some receipts with dating  found in some banjo ' case