We first purchased this banjo in 2005 from the family of the original owner, who we noted "...received the instrument from Fred Bacon", and was held in a private collection until now. Most unusual, this banjo bears the serial number 7521 with X suffix, denoting a Bacon instrument ordered with custom appointments, and has no Style designation other than Blue Ribbon on the dowel stick. The rim assembly measures 11.5" in diameter and is of highly flamed dark stained maple, with all original hardware including engraved tailpiece. The tonering is considered to be the "half-spun" variety, with exposed black painted wooden interior and metal on the outside with perforations present (a few of the interior white plastic washers are missing). Condition-wise, the metal plating is heavily tarnished, lots of cosmetic wear and tear present, with two missing chunks in the rim cap. The bound maple neck has an extended ebony fingerboard w/ 27" scale length, with pearwood peghead overlay & backstrap; long detailed heel carving, pearl inlay present on overlay and on fretboard; there is medium forward relief (classical setup currently playing well), and ancient repaired heel crack, and the frets are significantly worn, but do intonate and play all the way up; one replaced tuner button (3/4 pearl) and replaced fifth tuner. Includes original hard case with some restoration and interior wear.