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“Eclipse 4000” model banjo

ca. 1904-1906
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Boston maker William A. Cole was awarded a patent in 1894 for a special tone ring and German silver cladding that covered only half of the banjo rim’s exterior. His design increased the instrument’s volume and improved its tone. This model features ivory tuning pegs and finely engraved pearl inlays, including his signature butterfly on the ebony fingerboard.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: “Eclipse 4000” model banjo
  • Maker: William A. Cole
  • Date: ca. 1904-1906
  • Geography: United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Calfskin head, various woods (including ebony), metal hardware, mother of pearl and abalone inlays, gut strings, ivory tuners, ivory tailpiece and bone nut
  • Dimensions: 35” L x 2-1/4” D x 11-1/2” diameter
  • Classification: Musical instruments
  • Object Number: 2026.448.4
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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“Lady Stewart #3” 5-string banjo, Samuel Swain Stewart American, Calfskin head, various woods (including ebony), metal hardware and cladding over rim, mother of pearl and abalone inlays, ebony fingerboard, nylon strings, ivory tuning pegs, ivory tail piece ornament and ebony nut, American
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