“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

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

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 — “Lady Stewart #3” 5-string banjo
Samuel Swain Stewart
ca. 1890-1891

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