Details :

• currency: GBP
• delivery: Local Delivery
• price_display: £500

A rare antique 1900 - 1919 Clifford Essex Banjo which has been modified into a six string banjo/guitar. And a hard shaped Banjo Case.The Banjo:When Clifford Essex dissolved his partnership with Cammeyer in 1900 he formed his own firm at 15a Grafton Street, New Bond Street, London. W. and instruments bearing the name "Clifford Essex Co." were put on the market. At first all the banjos were made for Clifford Essex by Spencer, Weaver, Langham (in London) and Houghton (of Birmingham), but in 1904 he started his own workshops at The Oval, Kensington, with Alfred Dare as foreman. When Richard Spencer died in 1915, Clifford Essex bought his plant and stock and took his key makers into his employ. Although most of the Clifford Essex banjos sold in the early days were made in the Clifford Essex workshops, many were still made by the outside makers; notably Richard Spencer. The Weaver-made banjos were made to Weaver's own design although they were sold with the Clifford Essex label on them. Going therefore by the company trading titles and addresses, the owner of a Clifford Essex Banjo should be able to date his instrument by the information below:1900 - 1919 CLIFFORD ESSEX CO 15a Grafton Street 1919 - 1936 CLIFFORD ESSEX & SON 15a Grafton Street 1936 - 1942 CLIFFORD ESSEX & SON LTD 90 Shaftsbury Avenue1942 - 1957 CLIFFORD ESSEX MUSIC CO. LTD 8 New Compton Street1957 - 1975 CLIFFORD ESSEX MUSIC CO. LTD 20 Earlham StreetThe Banjo Case:This is a hard case shaped for a banjo (not the Clifford Essex Banjo though this will fit with (supplied) padding.) It is in very good condition, has five clip latches, is plush lined and has an inner pocket for picks, strings, plectrums etc.Price:Due to the rarity and age of this item I would like £500.00 for it. However sensible offers will be considered.