For Sale: Hold. 1976 Stelling Bellflower with Stelling case (sold)

I have owned this banjo for several years. It is a 1976 Stelling Bellflower built for Buddy Blackmon who was in Jerry Reed’s band at that time. This band is reputed to be in non-Eastbound and Down cuts on the Smokey and the Bandit soundtrack. Buddy had two Stellings and this is the first (you would see the later one on the early 80s Reed ACL appearance). Japanese maple. Wedge fit tone ring. All original. This banjo was one of the last repairs that Geoff did before closing repairs. I took to him September of 2021 to do two things. The resonator had a crack/delaminating from a fall. It also had terrible finish issues from the Sherwin Williams lacquer used for those two years in the 70s. He fixed the crack (because it’s a natural finish he could not don’t hide the scar) and refinished the neck and resonator. There was also a small fracture he looked at on the rim and said it’s fine and purely cosmetic. He also set up the banjo. It’s in incredible shape and was last touched by Geoff (I can provide proof of this). It’s a wonderful banjo and if I didn’t have a Duff F5 coming shortly I would hold on to. I have this and an 81 Staghorn and am keeping the Stag for now and selling this one. Excellent excellent banjo from the California days of Geoff’s shop. Comes with a newer Stelling case I bought from Geoff.