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