With an original estimated production of just 35 for RB-3 models made in the 1925-1926 transitional "ballbearing" tonering era, this example is exceedingly rare, from a batch of banjos made around August of 1926, approaching exactly 100 years old. The multi-ply maple rim assembly is all original, including nickel plated hardware; tube & plate flange, Mastertone ball-bearing tubular tonering with interior perforations, dual coordinating rod systems, armrest (past break/repair near mounting plate), five string Presto tailpiece, bound convex resonator with maple over laminate construction, original hex head mounting screws; FON present in chalk and pencil on back of resonator, with die-cast numbers on interior of rim; some surface scratching and plating wear/tarnish present. The 26-1/4" scale maple neck has a bound rosewood fingerboard w/ diamonds and square pearl inlay/Mastertone block, with fiddlecut peghead Gibson script in pearl; equipped with two-tab Grover geared tuners, non-geared fifth, frets appear original (we were told the original owner played classic banjo with a nylon setup) and show mild wear; finish wear present on back of neck, with crazing and checking also; horizontal scratch on back of peghead, with past heel crack repair visible but solid, and past holes from railroad spikes present; batch number 10 stamped. Included in sale is period Geib "Red Line" hardcase (hinges broken)