thanks for the response and info mick and charley, mick i will contact elderly and see what they come up with, thanks . charley i live in rhode island,from what i've read the top specialist and collector of ac fairbanks jim bollman doesnt live to far from me, his web page is under construction. the music emporium he used to be partners in is close also maybe ill take a ride there.the ac fairbanks banjo is small 8and a quarter inches across the face and 15and a half inch long neck mahogany color, the serial number is 22803 by mugwumps chart thats 1903 right about the time the plant burnt down. even if these banjos arent worth much its been very interesting tracking down their history.i will keep you posted thanks again.    jeff