Old Formby banjo sold for £28,000

IT turned out nice again for one George Formby fan who has forked out £28,500 at auction for the funnyman’s famed ukele.

The instrument behind such classics as Leaning on a Lamp Post and When I’m Cleaning Windows was expected to realise over £20,000 at Hanson’s Auctioneers, in Derbyshire, on Friday, but bidding proved brisk.

The Gibson UB3 – a banjolele to give its correct title – was originally bought by Terence Wallin, of Birmingham, in 1972. He described the UB3 – Formby owned three of them – as “the Stradivarius of the ukulele world”.

As reported in last week’s Post, the instrument came to auction with its original case and clutch of paraphernalia including receipts, photographs and magazines.

The instrument, which comes with impressive provenance, was first bought by Bill Logan, the original president of the George Formby Society during an auction of the star’s estate in 1961.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This was one of George Formby’s favourite banjoleles and the chance to own and play it is very special. This instrument is a priceless treasure for Formby fans.”

Wigan-born Formby was a troops’ favourite during the war years. And his catchy songs were surprisingly risque for the time. The BBC banned When I’m Cleaning Windows in 1936 because they believed it advocated voyeurism.

Formby died at his St Annes, Blackpool, home on March 6, 1961, aged only 56.

John Croft, former president of the George Formby Society and ukulele expert, said: “There is huge interest in this instrument. George Formby has fans all over the world – young and old.

“In 2008 Brian May bought a George Formby banjolele at a Bonhams auction for £72,000, and the late George Harrison of the Beatles was a big fan. He owned two of Formby’s ukuleles.”

Details of the buyer have not been revealed.