B&D Silver Bell, Model 3, Plectrum Banjo, circa 1926, with original case

B&D (Bacon & Day) Silver Bell 3 Plectrum banjo with original case. The neck is straight and in great shape.

The B&D (Bacon & Day) Silver Bell No. 3 Plectrum Banjo from the 1920s was a high-end, professional-grade instrument known for its powerful, crisp, yet warm tone, featuring ornate gold plating, flame maple rims, detailed pearl inlay on the headstock, and often an Oettinger tailpiece, representing the pinnacle of early banjo craftsmanship for jazz and popular music. 
Key Characteristics:

• Introduction: The famed Silver Bell line debuted in 1923, quickly becoming a favorite.
• Construction: Features a multi-ply maple rim (often flame maple), distinctive gold-plated flange with cutouts, and a resonator.
• Neck: Usually maple with an ebony fingerboard, often with a "V" profile and mother-of-pearl inlays.
• Hardware: Gold-plated, including a fancy armrest and often an adjustable Oettinger tailpiece for precise string control.
• Sound: Renowned for its loud projection, bright "snap," and smooth, rich tone, making it ideal for plectrum (four-string) jazz.
• Plectrum Specifics: A 4-string banjo (tuned DGBD or CGBD) with 22 frets, designed for chordal and melodic playing in dance bands. 

Why They're Special:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Bacon & Day was considered one of the finest American banjo makers, with the Silver Bells being their flagship models.
• Performance: Their robust design and superior tone made them professional instruments, still highly sought after today for their playability and sound.

In short, a 1920s B&D Silver Bell No. 3 Plectrum is a beautiful, loud, and versatile banjo, representing the zenith of pre-war American banjo manufacturing.