Comments on: The Bacon & Day Silver Bell: The King of American Tenor Banjos

By: Jim Ellul

Jim Ellul — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:13:57 +0000

I Have a 1931 #6.. in very Nice Condition for Sale. Call 772 882 2530

By: Wayne Jordan

Wayne Jordan — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:45:52 +0000

Hi, Irene;

Whether you intend to sell or insure these instruments, it is always best to have a valuation. You can take the instruments to a dealer to get his opinion (in writing, of course); you can take the instruments to an appraiser in your local area, or we here at Worthpoint can assemble a valuation based on recent auctions, retail prices, and historical data.

To use the Worthpoint service, go to the home page and select “Research Your Items” from the main menu. then, select “Ask a Worthologist” and fill out the information sheet. Worthpoint will assign an appraiser to evaluate the instruments from the information that you provide.

Thanks for writing!

By: Irene Nitti

Irene Nitti — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:08:39 +0000

I have photos of my #4 B&D Silver Bell and also of a Gibson Florentine both were my dad’s who has passed away. how do I learn the value? I know my dad paid $10,000 for his Gibson, but unsure about the #4 Silver Bell, both are in mint condition and in their original plush cases.

By: Wayne Jordan

Wayne Jordan — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:06:55 +0000

Brian: Montana #4 is not listed in the Gruhn’s guide, but I’ve seen them listed at retail for around $6,000 if they are authentic and are all original. That doesn’t mean they are worth that…it just means that was the asking price. I’ve never personally seen a Montana #4 but I’ve seen 3s and 5s so I guess they made a 4.

Honestly, I can’t give a value unless I at least see some photos and have more details. It makes me a little nervous that the Gruhn’s Guide doesn’t list one; they list virtually everything.

Check out some of the online banjo forums to see what sort of feedback you get.

Good luck!

By: Brian Friel

Brian Friel — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:22:14 +0000

Hi Wayne,
Any idea of what a B & D Montana # 4 in mint condition would be valued at?

Ive found one but dont want to be paying over price either.

If you could help me id be very happy.

Best wishes/ Brian

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:13:39 +0000

Thanks for writing this article, Wayne.

By: Wayne Jordan

Wayne Jordan — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 22:45:23 +0000

Hi, Dave;

Thanks for writing. Those are model numbers; silver Bell #1, #2, etc.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:24:51 +0000

What does #1, #2, and #3 mean? What do the numbers 5-9 mean?