FON 9337-1, circa 1929.  This banjo is most likely unique and is an interesting mix of two of Gibson’s high-end Mastertone styles. The fingerboard inlays and chequerboard trim are typical of a Style 6, and the gold-plated hardware is engraved with the pattern used on the ornate Florentine, the Grover clamshell tailpiece is engraved "Florentine", two-piece flange, 40-hole archtop tone ring, deluxe Grover tuners with solid pearl buttons, armrest-activated mute (missing a wooded pad). Other features including mahogany wood, dark finish, and concentric rings of checkerboard purfling on the back of the resonator are not featured on any other standard Gibson model, leading to believe this instrument was custom made for Andrew Metzgar, whose name is engraved on the truss-rod cover, fitted with a Fishman rare-earth pickup, modern case.
Comes with a full written appraisal/valuation by Joe Spann.£9000
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