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Any guesses on the value of this 1950s WFL kit? Last viewed: 5 hours ago

Posts: 9 Threads: 1

Hi! I'm not very knowledgeable about drums, but after looking at your examples, I think I have a WFL 4-piece Buddy Rich WMP. I've had it for 20+ years (bought it used) and haven't played it or maintained it much. A few years ago someone told me it is a desirable old kit. Here are the specs, as far as I can tell:

Bass 16x24

Tom-tom 10x13

Floor Tom 16x16

Snare 6x14

Bass pedal (Tama 1990’s)

Hi-Hat cymbal 14” diam (Meinl Meteor)

Crash cymbal 16” diam (Zildjian)

Crash cymbal stand (unknown brand)

Snare stand (Slingerland)

Hi-Hat stand (unknown brand) with pedal (WFL)

(The heads are a mix of brands from all different decades)

I could see no date stamps inside, and I don't think WFL was using serial numbers when they made this model. All pieces have the brass WFL keystone badge. The bass shell has some sun damage (finish has discoloration, light scratches in veneer) and the shell wood is probably dry from our desert climate in Arizona; all shells have yellowed. The bass shell edge inlay is cracked and much has fallen off one end. Some of the hardware has rust spots and some stands are stiff. I haven't cleaned it, and it could do with some restoration.

What other info do you all need to make an estimate? Approximations are fine.

I really appreciate it!!!

Help2

Sonora

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

the sizes are incorrect on some of the drums the bass drum is a14x24" the mounted tom is a 9x13" the snare drum is either a 5x14" or a 5 1/2x14" can you post a pic of the entire kit together? this is a early 50's WFL kit.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

Yeah..the drum sizes are measured without the rims,so bearing edge to bearing edge.They look mismatched, as the mounted tom and snare are a good deal lighter than the bass and floot tom are.

Steve B

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 179 Threads: 16

Isn't that a 1948 - 1952 badge?

If the whole set has the same badge, the snare throw off lever should be of the fluted type rather than the ringed type.

So it may be that the snare/tom are late 50's, and the BD is 48-52.

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From Batterhead

Isn't that a 1948 - 1952 badge?If the whole set has the same badge, the snare throw off lever should be of the fluted type rather than the ringed type.So it may be that the snare/tom are late 50's, and the BD is 48-52.

your correct the snare drum is of that age also. good eye.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 9 Threads: 1

Thanks folks! Good information so far! I see I was measuring them wrong.:o So they might be from more than one kit mixed together?:( Here are some better photos. Hope that helps you estimate what the kit's worth.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 179 Threads: 16

Whoa Sonor, It's quite possible, I think, that it may well be an intact original set. Especially if all the badges have the 1728 N. Damen street address on them. That would make it a '48 - '52 set.

I have the same set in Black Diamond Pearl. I believe the Classic snare throwoff from that period had flutes on the lever rather than the etched rings which came later.

My snare did have the fluted lever but it broke off in the late 60's, and I finally replaced the lever a few years ago with the ringed version. Your snare may have experienced the same.

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 9 Threads: 1

Wow, Batterhead, I'm glad to know it might be an intact set.

I hadn't even noticed the address on the badges. All four badges have it.

So the snare lever may have been replaced, huh?

What do you think it's worth, given its condition issues?

If I sell it, should I include the cymbals, cymbal stands and such?

Thanks for your input!

Sonora

Mind Blowi

From Batterhead

Whoa Sonor, It's quite possible, I think, that it may well be an intact original set. Especially if all the badges have the 1728 N. Damen street address on them. That would make it a '48 - '52 set.I have the same set in Black Diamond Pearl. I believe the Classic snare throwoff from that period had flutes on the lever rather than the etched rings which came later.My snare did have the fluted lever but it broke off in the late 60's, and I finally replaced the lever a few years ago with the ringed version. Your snare may have experienced the same.

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

can you post pics of the cymbals show the stamp marks of the cymbals that will help date and value them. also if you have a gram weight scale weigh each cymbal and record that weight for your records and post it on your post here. The restoration work you need is very easy for any of us that know how to do it or if you yourself have basic wood working skills.We have tons of tips here on this forum if you need them

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 179 Threads: 16

Sorry Sonor, That's where my knowledge ends. I have no expertise when it comes to valuation. However there are others on this forum who would have a good idea of pricing. Hopefully, they will chime in.

My '48 -'52 WFL set is the only one I have ever owned. Had it since 1965, and never, even remotely, considered selling it.

So buying and selling drums is not something I have experience in.

Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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