Bacon Belmont vintage 19 fret tenor banjo. Ca. 1950. Exc. Cond.

Description

Bacon Belmont 19 fret resonator/flange tenor banjo made by Gretsch for Montgomery Ward ca. 1950.  Overall the banjo is in outstanding condition and all original except head, strings and probably the bridge.  It has a 3-piece neck with a pearlette-like peghead veneer with brand and model.  The neck shows a slight relief as you move up the neck.  The fretboard is rosewood and is nicely bound with side dots so no protruding fret ends.  The scale is 23" and fret wear is minimal.  String height is about 3/16" to 1/4" at fret 15 with 1/2" bridge.  It has 24 brackets and a sturdy notched tension hoop.  The rim looks like 4 or 5 ply laminated maple.  The resonator is pretty much unmarked and is nicely encircled with a shiny plastic (?) trim.  The banjo is 33 1/2" long with an 11" head and weighs right at 7 lbs.  It has friction pegs and a period adjustable tailpiece which has completely lost its plating.  Overall the finish on the neck and resonator is nice and shiny (there are a few rubs on back of neck where it apparently was leaned against a chair).  Please see photos for additional details.  Comes in a period hsc in quite good condition.  The banjo is sold as is.  Shipping only to lower 48 states U.S.A.  Payment requested within 3 days from end of auction.