Signed George Formby Uke

axenstar7899 · Dec 29, 2013

hi, i was given a George Formby banjo uke by a family member whose father was given it by the man himself. Here are a few photo's.
I dont know if its worth anything as im more of a guitar man myself.

cigarfan · Dec 29, 2013

I can't help with the value without some research but I wouldn't let it go until you have some legit assessments. Looks to be in good condition and definitely has value beyond original cost.

iamesperambient · Dec 29, 2013

axenstar7899 said:
hi, i was given a George Formby banjo uke by a family member whose father was given it by the man himself. Here are a few photo's.
I dont know if its worth anything as im more of a guitar man myself.View attachment 62426 View attachment 62427 View attachment 62428 View attachment 62429 View attachment 62430

you should take it on antique road show, not only does that show rule but they also would be able to get the info on this for you.

iamesperambient · Dec 29, 2013

cigarfan said:
I can't help with the value without some research but I wouldn't let it go until you have some legit assessments. Looks to be in good condition and definitely has value beyond original cost.

try to contact jim beloff of flea market music he is a true expert on ukes
he prob could assist you to some degree or point you in a direction.

https://www.fleamarketmusic.com/Default.asp

PeteyHoudini · Dec 29, 2013

And if all else fails, there's always PAWN STARS and you might even get on TV! hehe

Petey

PhilUSAFRet · Dec 29, 2013

How about the George Formby Society http://www.georgeformby.co.uk/

RichM · Dec 30, 2013

Your banjo uke appears to be Dallas Model B; It's definitely a Dallas, although I can't say definitively from your photos that it's a Model B, but it appears to be. Dallas ukes were endorsed by George Formby, and he did own one of the higher-end models, although he was much more likely to be found playing an Abbott or a Ludwig. The Dallas models sell frequently on ebay UK. The lower-end models are desirable although not terribly valuable and there are quite a lot of them in circulation. The Formby signature on the vellum is stamped on and is not a true autograph.

Here's a great source of info on Dallas banjo ukes:

http://freespace.virgin.net/dennis.taylor/Page_26_dallas_banjo_ukulele.htm

Edit to add: on ebay UK, the Style B appears to be going in the ~ £200.00 range.

bborzell · Dec 30, 2013

Time to call Johnny Depp.

electrauke · Dec 30, 2013

bborzell said:
Time to call Johnny Depp.

Yeah definitely, with the movie and all. Not sure if you are looking to sell it but if you are please contact me. Hope you find out all that you want to know about that amazing uke!

axenstar7899 · Dec 30, 2013

Thanks so much for your comments and general kindness for looking into it.. i will research the links provided on value, and look into the model info.. as regards the signature after looking at one of the websites it appears the D model has the stamped signature, Im pretty sure my B model is a pencil signature, which fits my family members description of how it was acquired, all the same i will look into it.
not sure yet im ready to sell it just yet but will post again and contact those interested if i decide to in the near future.
Thanks

suburude · Dec 30, 2013

PeteyHoudini said:
And if all else fails, there's always PAWN STARS and you might even get on TV! hehe

Petey

Please do not go to "Pawn Stars" !!!! Go here ! https://www.fleamarketmusic.com/Default.asp

axenstar7899 · Dec 30, 2013

great research thank you, i checked out the webpage and was most helpful. As for the autograph, the webpage doesn't mention a stamped autograph on the B model, only the D model and on my uke im pretty sure the signature is in pencil, i will check this out though..
Anyway thanks again.. I will use the opportunity to learn to play it too..

iamesperambient · Dec 30, 2013

suburude said:
Please do not go to "Pawn Stars" !!!! Go here ! https://www.fleamarketmusic.com/Default.asp

i already suggested he should contact jim beloff directly he would be the best person to talk to.

Ukuleleblues · Dec 30, 2013

I had an acquaintance go on pawn stars with something a lot less cool, they paid his way to Vegas. If you have the time it might be an adventure you want to look into. They could validate your signature and if it all works out you could go on a wild, drunken gambling spree, loose your home and end up on an episode of Cops (is that still on?). Oh to be young again!! Cool Uke!!

RichM · Dec 30, 2013

axenstar7899 said:
great research thank you, i checked out the webpage and was most helpful. As for the autograph, the webpage doesn't mention a stamped autograph on the B model, only the D model and on my uke im pretty sure the signature is in pencil, i will check this out though..
Anyway thanks again.. I will use the opportunity to learn to play it too..

If the signature is genuine, it would add dramatically to the provenance of the uke. Formby autographs can sell in the $100-200 range.

iamesperambient · Dec 30, 2013

RichM said:
If the signature is genuine, it would add dramatically to the provenance of the uke. Formby autographs can sell in the $100-200 range.

with this movie the autograph may go up who knows.

RichM · Dec 30, 2013

iamesperambient said:
with this movie the autograph may go up who knows.

I'll believe the movie when I see it.

Ukuleleblues · Dec 30, 2013

That's for sure. Maybe the George Formby smile will become a fad...

Double tooth

Crooked

I am right in style if this happens...

iamesperambient · Dec 31, 2013

Ukuleleblues said:
That's for sure. Maybe the George Formby smile will become a fad...

Double tooth

Crooked

I am right in style if this happens...

No offense but he kind of looks like a rat what a set of chompers he had jesus H christ.

coolkayaker1 · Dec 31, 2013

I had an uncle with a can of linseed oil signed by Formby at a furniture convention and, frankly, I doubt it's worth even five doll hairs.

Although Formby's popular at Lowes and Home Depot, I seriously doubt those customers are buying banjo ukes.

Just my two cents.

Signed George Formby Uke

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