Clifford Essex Double X Banjo CE XX Special Grand Concert5 String BanjoA bit of history:CLIFFORD ESSEXWhen Clifford Essex dissolved his partnership with Cammeyer in 1900 he formed his own firm at 15a Grafton Street, New Bond Street, London. And instruments bearing the name 'Clifford Essex Co.' Were put on the market. At first all the banjos were made for Clifford Essex by Spencer, Weaver, Langham (in London) and Houghton (of Birmingham), but in 1904 he started his own workshops at The Oval, Kensington, with Alfred Dare as foreman.

• Clifford Essex Banjo For Sale
• Clifford Essex Popular Banjo

The success of the Pierrot Banjo team as they were then known, led to performances for the Prince of Wales at Cowes, which led to them adopting the title of Clifford Essex’s Royal Pierrots and who then performed throughout the land (especially at seasides), with countless imitators, for the next 25 years.

Clifford Essex Banjo For Sale

• It should be emphasised that every Clifford Essex banjo (except the 'Popular' model) was hand-made and each instrument individually assembled which often accounts for slight variations in models. And by then only their cheapest model (The 'Popular') was made outside their own work-shops by Houghton of Birmingham.
• Sold for 5 gns in the mid-twenties and by the thirties was available with a resonator for £6.15.O. This was a well constructed banjo which featured.

When Richard Spencer died in 1915, Clifford Essex bought his plant and stock and took his key makers into his employ. Although most of the CIifford Essex banjos sold in the early days were made in the Clifford Essex workshops, many were still made by the outside makers; notably Richard Spencer. The Weaver-made banjos were made to Weaver's own design although they were sold with the Clifford Essex label on them. In December 1919 the firm's title was changed to 'Clifford Essex & Son' and by then only their cheapest model (The 'Popular') was made outside their own work-shops by Houghton of Birmingham. In February 1936 the firm became a private limited company and the title changed to 'Clifford Essex & Son Ltd.' .This banjo has a label saying 'Clifford Essex Co 15a Grafton St' which would indicate it is pre 1919The banjo is in very good original condition. I have tried to photograph all features and blemishes - but if there is anything else you need just ask via the ebay 'questions'.It is a 5 string banjo, but for years has been played as a 4 string plectrum banjo, so the 5th string peg is missing, but the socket is there, complete and clean, waiting for a replacement.

Clifford Essex Popular Banjo

The MoP scroll usually seen on the heel of the neck is missing. The 4 remaining pegs are all in good condition, and seem to be original.The tone ring is the CE special patent, scalloped, said to be based on the whyte laydie but better!All tension hooks and shoes and tailpiece are original and in good condition (tarnished after 90+ years, but with that lovely age patina)Perch pole has embossed stamp 'CE XX Special' and metal label for Clifford Essex Co, 15a Grafton St.Neck is straight and shows remarkably little wear to fingerboard or frets, testifying to the CE manufacturing. MoP on the neck is all in superb condition.It will, of course, need new strings and bridge, skin is fine, with a good aged look - I cannot say if it is original.I am sorry that the despatch cost is so high, but I will not ship it uninsured. Personal collection can be arranged. I will not ship outside UK.Note one new picture - I have seen on closer scrutiny that there are a couple of chips in the ebony fascia of the fingerboard between the very last fret and the banjo pot.

Absolutely no effect on playing, nor on the security of the neck to the pot.More high resolution pictures here:/photos/16479088@N05/.

New: A brand-new, unused, unopened and undamaged item in original retail packaging (where packaging isapplicable). If the item comes direct from a manufacturer, it may be delivered in non-retail packaging, such as a plain or unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details.Modified Item:NoInstrument:Classical BanjoCountry/Region of Manufacture:United KingdomSub-Type:AcousticCustom Bundle:NoMPN:47Number of Strings:5Brand:Clifford EssexClifford Essex:U.K. Fretted Instrument SpecialistsNon-Domestic Product:NoOnly The Best Will Do:Providing the finest strings since 1900.