Hello there to everyone, and I hope you don't mind but I have a question right off the bat. I recently found a 1920's Ludwig 8 lug snare in the loft of a barn in Upstate NY. I'm sure it hasn't been played in decades...the woman I bought it from was in her '60's and selling of her fathers estate, which was the family home she grew up in. She said she had never seen it, so it must have been before her time!
Based on this site, I believe it is a 1923 - 1929 Ludwig Professional. The only marking is the word Ludwig on the side. I would like to sell it, but would like to learn a bit more about it. I am uncertain of the width because I'm not sure exactly how to measure it.
Another question, is whether or not to clean and polish the drum. It is in good shape, no dents and all the pieces present as far as I can tell, but it has no shine, and there are a couple small drops of white paint on it. My gut tells me to leave it to the next owner to dismantle and clean it all. I have several guitars, and I wouldn't touch them, but know nothing about vintage drums. I will post pics.
Thanks and what a great site you have here. Tom C