Check carefully though. I think sky blue wrap may have looked like that around 1983-84 and the B/O badge was used up until about 1984-5. Is the badge a rounded corner one? If the seems are rivited then it's defiantely original. Do you know if the shells are three or six ply?

Wow, if that is the original wrap, it's like new. I realize it's a drive for you (as you said) but the only way it seems you're going to be able to tell is if you're standing there, in front of 'em. At that point you can figure out what's going on, and make your offer accordingly.

The deal just doesn't smell right. He could have a good reason for not being able to pull a head and get some pictures. If it was me telling you that, I would bend over backward to let you know what the problem was, and when you could expect the photos.

The seller was supposed to get back to me today with photos of the interior grommets and other information, which he did not. When I spoke with him on the phone yesterday, I asked about the condition of the bass drum hoops and he told me that he replaced them with brand new hoops that he ordered from Ludwig and cleaned/fixed up the entire kit. The new hoops apparently have matching Sky Blue inlays. This prompted me to ask whether or not the wrap was original. He sort of hesitated at that point and said "the wrap is original to the best of my knowledge." His tone and hesitation sort of rubbed me the wrong way which is why I am skeptical. The fact that he went through the effort of ordering new hoops also leads me to believe that other aspects of the kit may have been altered. Not to mention the fact that he has not sent any additional photos. So far I haven't heard anything new so I'm assuming they are sold or he doesn't want to deal with someone who understands the vintage drum market. I'm hoping he gets back to me, but we'll see. Thanks for all the input. Appreciated as always.

Ok, so I heard back. They are indeed re-wrapped. Thanks for all of your input.

Not 100% but I just had a set of '79's that had this wrap and this looks very close. Mine had the Rivet Seam on all the drums so there was no mistake about original wrap.

Ya see, with smartphones and the Internet with sites like this one, scammers really need to quit.

I've avoided so many bad deals, because I was able to get some instant info on what I was looking at in a pawnshop or where ever.

i 2nd this..