Thanks so much, I really appreciate your help!

Tough to tell with the light.. But I agree it looks like really faded Peacock sparkle. Looks like champagne sparkle otherwise. Pretty weird.. Is that even fade?

Yes the champagne sparkle is uniform around the drum and the peacock sparkle is only underneath the rims. It is strange that the fade is not more uneven, having some parts of the exposed shell with the peacock sparkle showing through... I guess it may become clearer if i remove a lug to see the color of the wrap underneath.

Remove one of the lugs and it is peacock sparkle underneath. It is missing 3 lug screws... Is there new ones available with the same thrrad or do i need to track down original ones somehow?

It is a standard thread and head type that is easy to find at any hardware store. It won't be a perfect match (nor will the washer which you should also buy), but it will work the same. Take one with you to get the correct size and length. Don't try to use one that is too long, since it can break off in the lug if you tighten too much.

It might be earlier than 58. I have a 58 Brand Name kit and the drums have silver sealer. From what I've been able to find out silver sealer was added in 58 and some even earlier. They started the switch from 3 to 6 ply shells around then as well. Some kits went out with a mix of 3&6plys - they used what they had to fill orders. My kit was bought new as one complete set and is 3ply but it has a 6ply FT.

I would guess your snare is mid 50's or so but probably not 58 or later.

I'm not an expert - I'm only going by what information I have been able to gather regarding my drums.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the insights. From what I can gather through online research I thought it would date between 54' - 58'. What is the value of something like this? There does seem to be some small crack or split on a portion of the inner ply. Anxious to to get some lug screws, washers, new heads and see how this thing sounds!

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I have some catalog information and your "Peacock" finish looks like it showed up in the 55 catalog. I don't have 56 or 57 catalog info but the finish was also in the 58 catalog. The Microsensitive strainer is in the 55 catalog (even in my 54 catalog too) but I don't see a mention of the Peacock finish in the 54 catalog. It could have been around but not an option in the catalog. I would guess your drum to be 55-57 and maybe 58 (one of the drums without the silver sealer for that year if there are any).

NOTE: You might consider buying a new-for-2011 Gretsch Microsensitive Strainer and Butt Ends. They are beauties. I bought one for my 58 snare drum - they work like a dream and retro-fit to the snare drums that fit the Vintage MS Strainer & Butt End. The snare keeper plate screws (the screws that hold the snare plastic or string) have been replaced by drum key screws - as you can see in the video here = easy no-fiddling with tiny screws. The "Bat" arm is an integral part of the mechanism and will not break off like the original. This Bat lever now has a thumb release button at the end which you have to push to release the snares = no more "surprise" snare release because of a worn internal part like the original. They are well worth the money. If you ever try looking for a Mint or near Mint Vintage Strainer you will see they go for anywhere from $200 - $300 or more - if you can find them.

View the demo here:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eize23RuUTM[/ame]

I retired....Zip-loc bag on the Vintage Drum Museum shelf haha...the original strainer. That way I can keep the proper part for the drum for "Vintage" purposes and it won't wear out.

No - I don't work for Gretsch OR Steve Maxwell lol - I'm just a very happy customer regarding this part............way to go GRETSCH !