C1900 W.A. Cole Eclipse Model 3500 Open Back Banjo — Serial #5493

Discover 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.

Sound Profile Rich, resonant tone that made W.A. Cole banjos so sought-after in their day.

The Details

• Built by W.A. Cole, "Professional Special," 1900
• Serial number: 5493
• Offered in honest vintage condition, bearing the natural wear of 125+ years — marks of a genuine antique with a real history
• From the Marvin Rosenberg Collection

The Marvin Rosenberg Collection 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.

Bring home an authentic piece of banjo heritage — own this Cole Eclipse today.

* The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.