The last one this seller sold can still be viewed in "sold listings" as item #201599017595. This drum has the same wrong late 80's/90's Zoomatic and snare wires. The serial number, though hard to see, looks rather high for '70-'75 when the BR model was available.

Yea I took a look at the blue sparkle one, and didn't sit well either. The interior just doesn't look right to me. I'm by no means a Slingerland expert. But I have a good amount, and have seen a good amount that even my eye brow is raised on this one.

Should have noticed this earlier, but the BDP snare does not have the correct hardware layout for an early 70's BR model. Should be from left to right, in successive panels, tone control, badge, throw-off. Without muffler would simply be badge, throw off. This drum is badge two panels left of throw-off which is consistent with '92-'94 HSS era 4x14 without a muffler.

Ya know - this may be the kinda thing to leave as a question on the actual page. He clearly will not respond to any actual message sent his way. But if every potential buyer can see the red flags posed, maybe save someone from spending a silly amount on money on a scam. Or contact eBay.

One to steer clear of. At one time you could report the auction for not replying to questions. Don't know now.

Creighton

The badge looks wrong as well. Found this ad for the snares. Though I they did make the drum even after badge changes I assume.

Badge is OK, one of the few things that is. You are correct, the catalog continued to use older images after the badge change. The catalogs are not a 100% accurate source.

Drum is re-listed, buyers beware. After additional research, this shell may indeed be Niles era, just not the era this drum is supposed to be. The 5-ply lay-up looks OK. Also discovered this is a fairly common drum to copy/clone. It is possible to cut several of these out of one 14" 5-ply tom for example. Some members of this forum have built them. Anyone interested in purchasing a 4x14 BR should be very diligent in checking the small details. Luckily most of the info is right here on the VDF and VDG. That's what I enjoy about this site.

As mentioned, the seller does not respond to messages. Well, I take that back. Here's my original message and his response:

I'm well versed in everything "Slingerland" and have my doubts as to the originality of this drum. The serial number dates it to 1972. Slingerland only offered their traditional 3-ply shells for outfit bass, toms and snare drums. The only availability of the 5-ply shell was the high end TDR 100 marching drums. Finally, the style of Zoomatic and snare wires are also wrong for this time period. Your Zoomatic uses the wrong style of tension knob and clamping bar. The snare wires Slingerland was using for the Zoomatic made use of fiber reinforced tape strips, with no provision for string. How did you obtain this drum? Can you confirm that it is factory and has never been tampered with? I just know too much about Slingerland to take your offering at face value.

His reply: Thank you for looking...

It's just too bad this his Blue Sparkle BR sold for so much money. I hope the buyer is happy with it.

-Mark

You should post that as a question on the actual listing page. Do it anonymously. The little section where you can ask a question publicly. Because to me, that response says he knows it's a fake.