Richelieu Golden Eagle Tenor Banjo Model 5001, late 1970's [USED]

This Richelieu Golden Eagle tenor banjo was built in Oregon, Wisconsin and features elaborate hand carving and engraving around the instrument. All the metal parts including the arm rest, an Oettinger 'finger' style tailpiece and Richelieu branded pick holder are gold plated. The resonator back sports an eagle in marquetry and the back of the head and heel are hand carved in a European style.

An interesting construction detail can be seen in the headstock binding. While the binding layer closely follows the complex shape of the head, there don't seem to be any visible joins.

The head plate and fingerboard are Ebony and carry a traditional, ornate inlay set in Mother of Pearl.

This wonderful historic piece is in overall good condition and plays very well.

Sold with a Gibson hard shell case.

Dating Richelieu instruments is difficult as there is little documentation, and the small company has been gone for some time. Apparently the serial numbers encode some date information. Based on images of other related Richelieu and clues from the apparent age of the finish, and the serial number, we're placing this in the late 1970's.

Clyde Carl Richelieu was a well known banjo player, teacher and performer, and founded the Richelieu Banjo company, which built banjos in Oregon, Wisconsin from 1965 to 2011. Their instruments were highly respected and sought after, many being elaborate custom builds.

C C Richelieu himself finally retired around 2001, and the business was sold to his shop manager who ran it until 2011. Mr. Richelieu died in on October 8, 2003.

 

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here

 

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DETAILS: 

• Instrument Model:  Golden Eagle Model 5001
• Instrument Manufacturer:  Richelieu Banjos
• Instrument year:  Possibly late 1970's
• Instrument Finish:  Natural Gloss with Edge Shading
• Instrument Class:  Used
• Instrument serial number:  706761, built in Oregon, Wisconsin possibly late 1970's
• Country of Origin: USA
• Instrument Condition:  Good
• Playing Condition: Good
  
• Right-handed 
• CITIES Documentation Required:  No
• Case included:  Yes
• Case original:  No
• Case Type: Hard
• Instrument Weight Imperial: 10.94  lbs
• Instrument Weight Metric:   4.96 kgs
• Scale Length Imperial:    22.5 in
• Scale Length Metric:    570 mm
• Nut Width Imperial:    1.16 in
• Nut Width Metric:  29.5 mm
  
• Items in Case: N/A
• Consignment: Yes
• Product ID: 190097

 

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here