I saw that kit also...and it sort of looks like the wrap was stripped and the shells sealed, huh?

So am I. I do know that Fork's Drum Closet has been dealing in vintage drums for many years so I would tend to trust their judgement. But I would trust and verify. Looks like a nice set.

Those maple/poplar/mahogany shells were intended for wrapping with the porous mahogany outer ply used for it's ability to retain the glue. The BD hoops, tension claws and spurs are not correct. Although available, a highly unusual kit if it is indeed a factory finish. Coffee Break2

Call Forks and ask to speak to Clay about the drums. He's the vintage guru and a great guy.

This kit is from the period in the 1960's when Slingerland Drum Company acquired Leedy and marketed what were, in essence, Slingerland drumkits made with Slingerland shells, Slingerland sticksaver hoops, and Leedy lugs, with some minor variations in the shell mount castings used, etc.

I was once told by a more knowledgeable drum collector that 50's/60's Slingerland shells stamped with M on the interior were set aside for natural wood grain finish, while those shells stamped P on the interior were to be used for wrapping with Pearl finish - the difference between the two choices determined by the appearance of the outer ply of the wood shell. While I can not examine the kit itself, it is entirely possible that this was a natural lacquered wood finish kit right out of the factory with no other later refinishing. I concur that Fork's Drum Closet has always been a very reliable and trustworthy source for vintage drums. It's a very good thing that drums and drumkits can't talk about their past history, because otherwise countless numbers of drummers would have to be arrested and put in jail! guitar3 LoLoLoLo Laughing H