Description

Offered for a quick sale...
Vintage Japanese-made Morris 5-String Banjo carrying airtight, extraordinary physical provenance. This instrument belonged to and was toured globally by the renowned banjo virtuoso Frank Ifield, famously known for his appearance on an album cover alongside The Beatles.
This is not just a premium vintage instrument—it is a fully documented pop culture artifact.

Airtight Historical Provenance Included:
1. Handwritten Validation: Includes the original, signed validation note written by Frank Illen himself on a historical Whipsnade Gallery compliments slip. The note explicitly states: "This banjo was presented to me by David Nixon on a tour of Ireland at the Fiesta in Dublin."
2. Documented History: In the note, Frank verifies that he played the song "Misty" on this exact instrument and toured with it all over the world, including the USA and Australia.
3. Original 1977 Receipt: Includes the original music shop receipt from Bernard Dean Ltd. Music Centre dated 30-8-1977 for a "Banjo Capo."
4. Matching Hardware: The 1977 receipt perfectly cross-references the 1. unique chrome sliding fifth-string capo track physically mounted onto the neck of the banjo today.
Condition:
The banjo itself is structurally beautiful, highly original, and intact. It comes complete with its original, heavily road-worn, plush-lined vintage hardcase—showing the authentic battle scars and character of a lifetime of global touring.
An unbelievable investment piece for high-end Beatles collectors, music historians, or traditional musicians.
Price: €4,000
Location: West Cork.

Reason for selling:
I want to buy a Kestrel...