{"title":"W A Cole","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"c1893-w-a-cole-eclipse-man-in-the-moon-open-back-banjo-nylgut-strings","title":"C1893 W. A. Cole Eclipse Man in the Moon Open Back Banjo Nylgut Strings","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSome banjos come through the shop, and you know they've been loved. This one is a genuine William A. Cole \"Eclipse,\" built in Boston during the banjo's golden age, and it's the real thing — no reissue, no reproduction, just a beautifully preserved piece of 19th-century American craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe star of the show is the peghead: the famed \"Man in the Moon\" pearl inlay, rendered with the kind of hand-cut precision that made Cole's instruments the envy of the trade. It's whimsical and elegant at once, the sort of detail that stops a fellow banjo player mid-sentence when they spot it across a room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis example has come down remarkably well over the years. The original finish still glows with a warm, honeyed patina rather than the dulled or stripped look you so often find on instruments this old. Hardware, rim, and neck all show minimal wear — the kind of survival story that makes a dealer's day. Original tension hoop, original tailpiece, and that unmistakable Eclipse tone: bright, articulate, with the woody snap that made these Boston-made banjos so prized among old-time and classic players alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCole's banjos were considered top-tier instruments in their day, built to compete with the best Fairbanks and Stewart had to offer, and this Eclipse holds its own admirably. It's equally at home on a wall as a museum-quality centerpiece or in the hands of a player who wants an authentic period voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eInstruments like this — original, honest, and well-kept — don't turn up often. Serious inquiries only; condition photos available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e* The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"W A Cole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49076084965561,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/C1893WAColeManintheMoonFront.webp?v=1788554949"},{"product_id":"1898-w-a-cole-eclipse-model-2500-open-back-banjo-serial-4929-very-good-condition","title":"1898 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 2500 Open Back Banjo Serial #4929 - Very Good Condition","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eStep back into the 19th century with this remarkable 1898 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 2500. William A. Cole was among the era's most respected banjo makers, and the Eclipse line remains prized by collectors for its craftsmanship and distinctive tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt by W.A. Cole, 1898\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSerial number: 4929\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffered in honest vintage condition, showing the wear you'd expect from an instrument well over 125 years old — a testament to a life well-played, not a flaw to hide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetains its authentic period character throughout; genuine antique with real provenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the Marvin Rosenberg Collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Marvin Rosenberg Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e This banjo comes from the collection of Marvin Rosenberg — patriarch, attorney, corporate counsel, competitive sports car racer, and lifelong lover of folk and Americana music. For decades, Marvin showed up to jam sessions and bluegrass venues with friends, and that same passion shaped his instrument collection. He sought out player-grade instruments — vintage pieces with real, honest wear from a life of actual use — over pristine collector-shelf pieces, assembling a personal collection of guitars, mandolins and banjos meant to be enjoyed rather than admired behind glass. Each piece was a tool of a passionate musician, chosen with the discerning eye of someone who understood exactly what made it special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAdd a true piece of American musical history to your collection today.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e* The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"W A Cole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49084834545849,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/C1898WAColeEclipseModel2500Front.webp?v=1788715521"},{"product_id":"c1900-w-a-cole-eclipse-model-3500-open-back-banjo-serial-5493","title":"C1900 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 3500 Open Back Banjo — Serial #5493","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDiscover a rare piece of turn-of-the-century American craftsmanship with this 1900 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 3500. As one of the higher-tier offerings in Cole's celebrated Eclipse line, the Model 3500 was known as the \"Professional Special\" and showcases the fine detailing and rich, resonant tone that made W.A. Cole banjos so sought-after in their day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, resonant tone that made W.A. Cole banjos so sought-after in their day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt by W.A. Cole, \"Professional Special,\" 1900\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSerial number: 5493\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffered in honest vintage condition, bearing the natural wear of 125+ years — marks of a genuine antique with a real history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the Marvin Rosenberg Collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Marvin Rosenberg Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e This banjo comes from the collection of Marvin Rosenberg — patriarch, attorney, corporate counsel, competitive sports car racer, and lifelong lover of folk and Americana music. For decades, Marvin showed up to jam sessions and bluegrass venues with friends, and that same passion shaped his instrument collection. He sought out player-grade instruments — vintage pieces with real, honest wear from a life of actual use — over pristine collector-shelf pieces, assembling a personal collection of guitars, mandolins and banjos meant to be enjoyed rather than admired behind glass. Each piece was a tool of a passionate musician, chosen with the discerning eye of someone who understood exactly what made it special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBring home an authentic piece of banjo heritage — own this Cole Eclipse today.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e* The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"W A Cole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49085108420793,"sku":null,"price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/C1900W.A.ColeEclipse3500Serial_5493Front.webp?v=1788722825"},{"product_id":"early-1890s-fairbanks-and-cole-open-back-banjo-serial-14320","title":"Early 1890s Fairbanks and Cole Open Back Banjo Serial #14320","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003eThis exceptional early-1890s\u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003e Fairbanks and Cole open-back banjo (Serial #14320)\u003c\/span\u003e is a prime example of late-19th-century American craftsmanship. Built during the legendary partnership of Albert Conant Fairbanks and William A. Cole in Boston, this instrument captures the quintessential bright, plunky tone sought after by old-time and clawhammer players.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003eThe banjo features a beautifully aged wood rim, classic open-back construction, and distinctive hardware characteristic of the era. Its low serial number dates it precisely to the early 1890s, making it a highly collectible piece of acoustic music history. Whether you are a dedicated collector looking for a museum-quality specimen or a musician seeking an authentic vintage voice, this Fairbanks \u0026amp; Cole banjo offers remarkable playability, historical significance, and a timeless aesthetic.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e* The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Fairbanks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49085851992249,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/Early1890sFairbanksandColeBanjoFront.jpg?v=1788732719"},{"product_id":"c-1900-w-a-cole-open-back-banjo","title":"C 1900 W.A. Cole Bacon Line Open Back Banjo Serial #4724","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003eThis W.A. Cole is a student model from the \"Boston\" Line of banjos.\u003c\/span\u003e We know this because it is stamped \"Boston\" on the dowel stick. Despite being a student model, this is a well-made instrument; it just lacks the fancy tone ring of the Eclipse models.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003eThe banjo has a great, thumpy sound with its Nylgut strings. It's a fine player for clawhammer, old-time two- or three-finger style, or classical playing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e*The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"W A Cole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50486962389177,"sku":null,"price":900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/WAColeC1900_4724Front.webp?v=1790036446"},{"product_id":"c1895-w-a-cole-eclipse-man-in-the-moon-open-back-banjo-nylgut-strings","title":"C1895 W. A. Cole Eclipse Man in the Moon Open Back Banjo Nylgut Strings Serial #2152","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOne of three W.A. Cole Man in the Moon banjos in the Marvin B. Rosenberg collection, this is a classic open-back banjo. Made C1895, this banjo has nylgut strings and a rigid softshell case. Serial #2152\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e*The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"W A Cole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50486962979001,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/C1895WAColeManintheMoonBanjoSerial_2152Front.webp?v=1790039239"},{"product_id":"1896-w-a-cole-eclipse-man-on-the-moon-open-back-5-string-banjo-serial-3283","title":"1896 W.A. Cole Eclipse Man on the Moon open back 5-string banjo Serial #3283","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003eThis exquisite \u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"SmjhRb bqYA2d\" role=\"link\" id=\"pvlinkNR2zasq0NMPdptQPvorFyAc_ozsa2f_1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e1896 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 3000 Open-Back 5-String Banjo\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[[null,null,0,1,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,[\u0026quot;1896 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 3000 Open-Back 5-String Banjo\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;USe the same prompt above but on this instrument. 1896 W.A. Cole Eclipse Man on the Moon open back 5-string banjo Serial #3283\u0026quot;,null,1,[null,null,null,0],null,null,0],null,null,null,[null,1,0,1,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,null,[296314,null,1]],0],\u0026quot;NR2zasq0NMPdptQPvorFyAc_1\u0026quot;]--\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, bearing \u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003eSerial #3283\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Crafted in Boston, Massachusetts, during the golden era of the classic five-string banjo, this is an iconic piece of American musical history.\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003eThis instrument features Cole's most celebrated design hallmark: the captivating \u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003e\"Man in the Moon\" engraved mother-of-pearl peghead inlay\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, paired with a distinct, elegant \"boat heel\" neck shape. At its heart is the patented \u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003eEclipse tone ring system\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, which produces a wonderfully refined, clear, and snappy tone with a punchy pop that clawhammer and old-time players absolutely cherish.\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003eAs expected for a centenarian, it shows honest play wear and a beautifully aged patina, but the neck stays straight, and the craftsmanship stays crisp. It is \u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003ecompletely playable\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, structurally stable, and fully ready to sing.\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"n6owBd awi2gc\"\u003eWhether you are an active old-time picker or a dedicated collector of late 19th-century instruments, this Eclipse offers a stellar window into Boston’s finest turn-of-the-century luthiery.\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv tabindex=\"0\"\u003eComes with a rigid gig bag.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e*The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yhAwj\"\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd|||[]--\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"W A Cole","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50498671345849,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5295\/5065\/files\/C1896WACOleManontheMoon_3283Front.webp?v=1790127770"}],"url":"https:\/\/woodandwire.net\/collections\/w-a-cole.oembed","provider":"Wood \u0026 Wire Fine Fretted Instruments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}