The years matched to the serial numbers are an educated approximation they are accurate within a year or two, and even the dates of introduction of major improvements are based on ads, catalogs, and contemporary news releases. From 1890 to 1914 Fairbanks (later Vega) made Fred Bacon banjos.
Stayed at the 187 Tremont Street address where they had moved, and advertised his new company as 'The Only Successors of Fairbanks & Cole.'įairbanks restarted the numbering at about 1, as did W.A. Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole.
Fairbanks' until the middle teens.ĭuring 1880-1890 Fairbanks joined with William A. Vega continued to mark their banjos 'A.C. Fairbanks Company (incorporated 1875) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Company (established 1889).
Holmes - 1999, 2002įor an in depth discussion about important dating information visit the Fairbanks Research article. FAIRBANKS AND VEGA BANJOS Copyright © by Michael I. Fairbanks & Vega banjos, Dating & Identifying DATING A.C.
