Dohhhh. I didn't really want to hear the word unfortunately. I may have shot myself in the foot by revealing the barely noticeable stain in an oval shape where the badge use to reside. At least if I'm trying to maximize the value of this drum. You guys know too much about drum parts.

If you know that Slingerland and Gretsch snare lugs have the same hole spacing, you know too much. The drum is stamped 1951 and it appears that Slingerland is the co. with the oval badge back then. And from what I've seen on this site, Gretsch never had an oval shaped badge.

I've attached two pics of the badge whole. I had to make sure the flash didn't hide the badge stain. It's not obvious but you can see an oval shape. The lugs are very visible so I'm sure you guys will know what kind they are.

If this helps, the tension rods only tighten on one end. It seems as though they run along the drum, through the lug and attach on the opposite side. Not sure if this gives a clue as to who made the lugs and claws or if multiple co.'s used this design.

I've found this whole trip interesting and have been thinking about getting the Sling set re-wrapped and locating any missing hardware and giving them new life. The kik from that kit is beaten up so leaving them as is, they are just a vintage kit in bad shape. Getting them re-wrapped with all the correct hardware will just make them better in my view. Besides the sling toms missing the wrap those two drums are in good shape. I just have to find some one in my area who will do it without charging me a fortune.

I'm very interested in what you guys will have to say about my 60's Gretsch kit. I haven't even touched on the 60's Ludwig Timbales I have. Cha Cha Cha!

This is an interesting one. I checked the Slingerland 1949, 1951 and 1955 catalogs and I did not see any 14x18 bass drum or cocktail drum being offered. But none of the manufacture catalogs regularly listed 18" bass drums.

Since you have many drums from the same collection, it is very possible that some of the hardware was swapped between shells.

The mystery continues ....

- Tim

I agree with Tim that you need to get all the drums and cymbals and accessories together in one place,if the Gretsch kit has a kick with it,it possible someone switched the hardware to make a double tension drum.We will have to see.

Just thinking out loud here,but there is a good chance that you have some A zils with the kit,and since Gretsch had the distribution rights on K zils you might luck out and have an old k or two with them,that would be good money.

When you get a chance try and post pics of the stamps on the cymbals and read the verbiage on them.Either way you have some fine old gear there and your Dad had excellent taste.

I vote you restore at least one kit and keep one snare,those old kits are very desirable for recording also.

I actually like the natural look of those RKs. Shame about those seemingly random holes and the bass drums reso edge, but I think they look cool without a wrap - if I had money, I'd buy them right away. Looking forward to seeing that Gretsch kit.