Ossman's Bacon FF ?

[Shawn McSweeny]

The 1906 Bacon catalogue includes a testimonial from Vess Ossman (inside back cover), who praises the new Bacon line and goes on to say  :

"You may go ahead and make me another banjo 12 inch rim, 19 1/2" fingerboard."

 A few years ago I acquired what turns out to be the only known Bacon FF with a 12 inch rim. It has a full No 7 style fingerboard as well and is superbly crafted.  It came into the hands of an amateur in the late 1920's, was played very little and then sat in a case for 80 years.

It's prior history is not known, but the original owner played the ink out of all the fbd inlays without causing any fret wear, suggesting he was a superb banjoist, using gut strings.

 Perhaps someone knows more about what became of Ossman's banjos? 

[thereallyniceman]

That is one beautiful banjo... How do you find them, or afford them ??  ;-)

 

Eric Stefanelli made a reproduction FF and it sounds superb.

 

[Shawn McSweeny]

Ian :

Indeed Eric is a wonderful player and luthier.

Surprisingly, this banjo turned up near me, in the Toronto area.

A fellow collector often says he "could afford the banjo, but couldn't afford the divorce." I'm already single, so  .  .  .