Hello all,

I own the drum in question and wanted to add a few thoughts since it's gained a bunch of interest. I have sold many drums before, I usually know what to look for, but since this is a rare drum I'm at somewhat of a disadvantage. This was purchased at a Pennsylvania estate auction where there were no other drum items. Just a freak chance that it was there. It wasn't even advertised as something special so no one had a master plan to fool a bunch of collectors with a repro drum. I am 100% certain the green finish is orginal. The badge is 100% original. The issue seems to be the hardware. Because there are different shades of gold and it appears from the pictures that it has been painted. First of all I see no chrome anywhere on this drum. What I think happened is the gold plate has worn. And what looks like paint is the worn gold plating. Or, (maybe the better scenario) someone painted over the original gold plating, which may have preserved the original gold plating.

I've been selling on ebay for over 10 years. I know the deal. If it comforts the eventual winner I have no issue bringing this to a local expert to examine it and give their opinion.

Thanks to all, John

Hello,

Also someone mentioned they noticed a few runs in the finish. I cleaned the drum with a damp cloth and some soap. What your seeing is some moisture that hadn't dried yet. This is an original paint job.

John

Wouldn't it help to see the interior? I always think it suspicious whenever a seller does NOT remove the hoops to show edges & interior {because when you go to this length it increases legitimacy of said "rare" drum; I always do when on ebay, since the last thing I want is a ****ed off buyer} ... even removing a lug in this instance so t/ you can see w/ t/ paint looks like unmarred.

Hobbs

John, your tom has been evaluated as 100% original by us Gretsh guy's. My bud jonnistix is dead wrong. look at the money the drum is already at, those of us that know are bidding on your drum. good luck this is one rare monkey.

No offense OTTO - only attempting to help. No way am I implying any you're up to anything. This just to fend off any misconstruing -

H

Hello,

Don't you need a key to remove the lugs? Dont have one.

John

John, you don't have anything to prove!!! the lugs are held on by either phillips or standard screws.if your talking about the tension rods yes you will need a drum key. any one will do.

No doubt about that, Gary. Just thought it looked a little "off" to me, know what I mean? Not bashing, just observing, my friend! This is only MY observation. I can only report what appears to me to be painted surfaces. It is, and I hold the same right as everyone else to have one, an opinion, that's all. If it's not paint, then so be it, but it looks like it to my eyes. Please, let me have my own opinion. Again, I am not bashing anyone, just what I see. This in response to VM2K's retort.

Yes Jonni...and everyone else here = it's all goodx-mas2

You nailed it Mr. Jonniestix - you can only report on what appears to be painted surfaces. I do value yours and everyone elses opinions on this - that's what the Forum is for amoung other things.

Some people are a little more shall we say boistrous with opinions - and that's good - it adds to 'back'n forth banter. Often it's this "back'n forth" that leads to folks like ottobord to weigh in.

This freakin little drum will go over $500........I can feel it........but whatdoiknow..........just a newatthegame Vintage Gretsch Guy hoping to learn here.

My response It was a little harsh I admit, but this drum has been well discussed on the DFO,the drum is 100% original, look at the auction, the price that is bid on it speaks volumes. Then the seller had to come on here to defend his drum to all the misinformation that was starting to mount.