5401 = January 1954 as far as I know.

Those predate plastic heads so for the proper sound calf heads are indicated.

I've got a single tension WFL from 1959 (transition badge) which I got for the badge (for my 3x13 Jazz Combo snare). The single tension drums don't command very high prices.

The bearing edges were designed for calf, but realistically, they're not worth putting much expense into, & mylar will also work . After many references about White Vinegar on this site, for rust removal, I started using it, w/ great results,... Less obnoxious, less caustic than other solutions, & fast acting. I have many old marching snares from the various makers, & have found that on the different markets, there is very little interest in them, & even less $$. They are just something I like when the opportunity comes along.

Thanks gentlemen for your responses...

tdennis...I figured calf heads would be the best option but are expensive...How would mylar heads sound with the bearing edges prepped for calf? What mylar heads would you recommend for batter and reso? Also, how long do you leave the parts in the vinegar solution? I`m assuming undiluted?

Zenstat...Jan. 1954 makes perfect sense since I seen a marcher in the completed listings on ebay with the same badge that stated it was from the 52-56 era...

As for value, it doesn`t really surprise me that these marchers don`t command much money...It`s too bad, there is definitely some vintage mojo in them!!

Please, I would like to hear more opinions or info...

Cheers

It only takes a few minutes for the vinegar to work. Your snare will probably sound better than calf w/ an ambassador batter & ambassador snare side. I really like working on these, & playing them. It's just for most drummers, they don't make a sonic fit w/ the drumset as used w/ traditional popular musical genres. (However, as part of my routine, I actually like to play the drumset as a one man total marching unit, & in this way I get to enjoy all my Marching snares. ....You might try it ! It makes one think of the bass , cymbals & toms in a different way.

I appreciate your knowledge tdennis...This will be a fun project...I have a few others to go on the table before this one though...I will post pics after its done...

Cheers

You can get calfskin at a reasonable price, I have plenty. COntact me if you are interest. If you want a great response and optimal sound I would put calfskin on top and a regular snare head on the bottom unless you can find a calfskin thin enough. I get those but they go pretty quick when they come in and I almost always have a waiting list for those.

I have one of these exact drums! Sounds GREAT! I should check mine to see if it says "5401" on the inside...that sounds awkwardly familiar!

Caddy...You have my curiosity...Let me know if it does have 5401 stamped on the inside of the shell...

How does yours sound? Calf or mylar heads? Can you post a pic?

Cheers

"Drum No. L-47973"

I just remembered that it was a series of numbers that didn't make any decipherable sense to me. Still don't know what they mean. Anyone?

Mine sounds full-bodied, woody, and throaty. It has Aquarian mylar heads on it. I'm glad I just pulled it out again...it's a fun drum to play on!

I can't post a pic, 'cause our computer is on the fritz, and VDF won't accept pics straight from my phone. :(