Will Van Allen Banjolele.as played by George Formby

Vintage

4 String Ukulele Banjo (Banjolele)

Peghead is Engraved:-

‘WILL VAN ALLEN’

‘OLLY OAKLEY’

 66 CHARING X RD

Made Circa 1926 - 1929

•    Body – 197 mm diameter (7¾ inches) x 60 mm deep

     (2⅜ inches) with clear varnish finish.

•    Bezel – Chromed Steel - 207 mm dia (8⅛ inches).

•    Head – Goatskin Vellum - New - 197 mm dia (7¾ inches)

     with 8 tensioners

•    Peghead, Neck & Fingerboard - ‘Ash’

•    Frets – 15 No.

•    Pegs – Friction – Faux Ebony

•    Fully Strung - New Nylgut

•    Weight – 686 grams (24 ounces).

•    Overall Length – 538 mm (21⅛ inches).

•    Instrument Condition - Very Good.

Will Van Allen (Real Name William Dodds) was a highly successful variety entertainer who used the Banjo in his act at the turn of the century (1900). He conducted a successful Banjo Teaching Studio at 38 Newington Butts, London, but his increasing professional engagements made it necessary for him to finally give up teaching and in 1902 he toured the U.S.A. for twelve months.

 He went into partnership in 1926 selling Banjos at a shop at 66 Charing Cross Road, London with Olly Oakley who was an entertainer, dance band leader and composer. The “Will Van Allen" Banjos were well made instruments that appear to have been products of the John G. Abbott workshops in London. He dissolved his partnership with "Olly Oakley" in 1929 or 1930 and very few Will Van Allen Banjos appear to have been sold after this date.

Note.

Ukulele-Banjo is a Ukulele with Banjo Body (Banjolele).

Popularised by the Famous George Formby in the 1920s.

He played a Will Van Allen Instrument in one of his films.

Payment.

PayPal or Personal Sterling Cheque Please.

U.K. Mainland Postage/Packing etc is £14.45

Other Destinations Please Enquire

Sellers: Get your own map today. Click here now. Simple."