For the Osborne fans out there, here is a special and unique piece for your consideration.
As many of us know, Greg Rich teamed up with Mark Taylor in 1993 upon his departure from Gibson and formed the Rich & Taylor company. They created some excellent and unique instruments to compete with Gibson at the time, including some fabulous artist models for J.D. Crowe, Terry Baucom, and Sonny Osborne. These models earned a reputation amongst amateur players and pros alike (Ron Block often plays a Sonny model R&T on the road) for their build quality, playability, and tonal response.
This particular piece here was owned by the late Barry Palmer. Barry was a prolific collector of instruments and memorabilia, and a driving force behind the Banjothon event to support fellow collectors of prewar Gibson instruments. He had a long friendship with Sonny Osborne and bought many pieces from Sonny's personal collection over the years. This banjo was Sonny's personal R&T prototype. Barry bought it from Sonny and left it in as found condition. Now Barry's estate is offering it in the same condition.
See the photos for additional details. All numbers and markings match, and based on stories Barry had personally told me as well as trustees of his own estate, Sonny added the "Chief Banjos" sticker at some point during his ownership. The pictured spare neck with the "flying eagle" inlay will come with the sale.
There is no documentation with the instrument, just Barry's word and the corroboration of the trustees. Given the other items Barry had of Sonny's, the provenance of this instrument is not questioned.
Price includes shipping and insurance in the lower 48. No trades, and please do not ask for sound clips as again, this banjo is being sold "as found." Whoever purchases it can do as they would please with it.
I will not respond to snarky emails or comments questioning the authenticity of this instrument. Serious inquiries only.
