Extremely rare and exceptionally fine banjo by the former partner of A. C. Fairbanks, William Cole. This instrument features a 10-15/16 inch black painted Eclipse rim with all original hardware and stamped No Knot tailpiece. The mahogany neck has a boat heel with exceptional carving, 27" scale ebony fingerboard featuring the classic butterfly in pearl at the 5th fret, and peghead overlay w/ pearl inlay reminiscent of early Fairbanks banjos; long back strapping that extends to the 5th fret. This is a magnificent collectors piece as well as a very fine player with a thick, ebony fingerboard; light finish wear/cosmetic scratching present on wooden parts; light fret wear; later Vega style neck hardware; some indents on metal on tonering exterior. A clean example of a high grade, Victorian era banjo, that plays well with light forward relief.