Thanks vintagemore. Have you seen that font on the strainer before ? Most of the ones I have looked at online have the more scripted look of the mid to late 60's stuff. Like on my 64 downbeat hardware. Seeing if I can get closer to the exact year without the badge.

Here are a couple more pics. Sorry they are so crappy. They are from my phone and I am out of town. I will try to get some better snaps when I get home later. I do have the connecting rod but no throw off guards or rims. I took a magnet to the rim of the shell and it would not stick. There was a very slight pull on the outside of the shell but would not stick there either.

Anyone have an idea what year or years that font was used on the strainer though ?

Thanks again Vintagemore ! I did finally come across a catalog scan in the 1962 (Copyright 61) catalog that used that font on the special screwdriver key. It also said that the shells were all brass at that time.

No crimping at all.

Thanks again Vintagemore ! I appreciate all the info. So are all vintage brass ludwig snare shells crimped like that ?