I think you should clean and polish it up as original. It's a cool looking old drum.

I think so too. I cleaned the shell as best as I could - lots of spots where chrome was worn off and the brass showing through - but still looks nice. The black lacquered hoops were a mess too and I removed it and polished the metal hoop inlays. I put some wipe-on poly on them and they look very nice I think. I took the damaged calfhide off the hoops. The wood was damaged a little where they were nailed together....yes, nailed....not glued. The nails were broken, rusty and the hoops were coming undone. I removed the nails....some in pieces...and glued them. I will tuck calfhide onto them. I like to use original parts when I can.

About the lugs:

Until I find some L&H lugs I will use any that fit. I will try to use what's left of the original gut snares but I may have to add some strands to complete the setup.

I took these photos a few minutes ago showing the cleaned shell, hoops and flesh-hoops.

Why are these what appear to be Roman Numerals carved into the hoops? I don't think this drums was made in the 30's or 40's....I'm thinking earlier....teens or 20's..just a quess.

The two roman numeral numbers don't make any sense; 32 & 40. Can't be 'years.' I have an Oliver/Ditson brass shell identical to yours that was made in 1910. I imagine your drum is from the same period. Those shells were made in Boston at the turn of the century. I don't recall the name of the outfit, but they put the labels of many different companies inside the shells. Lyon & Healy, Oliver/Ditson etc. all got their brass shells from the same place. There is some history on these companies available online. That's where I got my info when I was researching the Oliver/Ditson drum.

BTW, that 50's red table-top would make a killer drum wrap! :p

John

I'd use plain old single-tension marching snare claws- regular on top and threaded on the bottom. Slingerlands are nicely made and compact. I'd also try the combo gut-wire snares.

looking very nice. great job on bringing it back to life. i'd guess that maybe a previous owner marked those hoops for one reason or another? can't wait to see the finished product. drums projects like this are very rewarding.

mike

Thanks John

The table is a 40's by the way. I recently bought it at a thrift shop for $55....a very good deal for me. I researched it at an online Antique Forum. My guess was 50's as well. Got some replys from the experts with photos of similar tables - turns out it is 40's. Even better....Ya, I think the top would be a nice vintage finish. I like the wood frame with the drawer in front - very handy. I think the paint could be original too...it's very old looking and worn - but not too worn to have to refinish if you know what I mean. The table is solid and very heavy....nice chrome.

Oh ya....this is a drum forum....

Drum reply:

Fred Gretsch told me my Gretsch drum was 1912 and it too has a Roman Numeral etched hoop....XXVI. Maybe someone that made these old hoops....for many different drum companies back in the day.....was having some fun:)

Thanks Mike

It might be a while - I have a few other projects on the go right now and I would need to find the parts to do this up right.

In the meantime I could maybe tuck the heads. The diameter is between 15 and 16" so I can't fit a modern 15 or 16 on this drum. I've repaired the original hoops as you can see above. I could use the lugs off my Gretsch drum to get the drum at least playable for a while until I find more lugs. I also need snare stands so if you know where I can pick some very old used pieces could you let me know.

If I get the drum together before I find snare pieces I'll use it as a side tom with my 40's Gretsch kit. Should be a nice drum with some good calfhide mounted.

Gary