Got a transition badge Pioneer on the bench tore apart right now. It has the

copper or brass washers. The drum is dated 1959.

That's great to know! I was pretty surprised when I realized mine weren't common steel. I immediately Google'd and found this thread. I guess it was not that unusual for Ludwig to use these after all. Still wonder why, though. Cost would be prohibitive, I'd think. But then again, they used to use COB hoops too.

I've got a few with copper washers also.

OK ya, Same goes for the fasteners, you definitely want something that wont rust stain there too. I`ve gone and replaced the galvanized that were there to Stainless Steel on my drums.

Those may be plated, stick a fridge magnet on the washer to check.

That makes perfect sense - avoiding rust stains. I would not have thought of that. Thanks!

I have a set of "65 Super Classic in WMP and every drum (22, 12, 16) has the "copper" washers on them. No matching snare (although I'd like one). The screw is forged in a header with the washer attached so it is almost impossible to replace the washer on the screw, you would have to replace the complete screw. I believe they are factory original.

Where were all you guys 3 years ago! I believe the snare I'd had had 10/12 of the screws/washer copper & 2 w/ is typically seen. They appeared like they'd always been there so it really threw me.

c

Same here. Transition badge Ludwig Classic Parade snare dated Sept. 2, 1960. The lug mounting screws had a oxidized white powder, but after I cleaned them they were not steel (i.e. copper or brass). The washers and screws were also "one piece", could not be separated and all 32 fasteners were the same.

-Tim

Yes, I agree. I think they're definitely factory original (this set still has all original factory heads on it, and it's been virtually untouched for decades). And you're right Rockiezz, there is no easy way to separate the screw from the washer. I think I'll just clean them all and reinstall with copper finish. I read somewhere that a good antioxidant remedy was to paint the screws with clear nail polish.

Same here. I have a pre-serial School Festival. I soaked the screws / washers and noticed the copper washers after all the oxidation came off.