Ludwig Supra

Rogers Dynasonic

Rogers Powertone

Slingerland Radio king

Slingerland Brass soundking

Leedy Broadway standard

WFL Barrett Deems model

Ludwig Acrolite.

Gretsch model 4108

Gretsch model 4160

this is just some of my favs.

What kind of collection? By company? By finish? By material, (metal snare drums, wood snare drums etc.) Recommendations for you would depend a lot on 'what kind' of a collection you're attempting to build. Also, why 1940 as a start date? American drums from the war era are among the rarest of all, so few survived intact. It's almost a specialty collectible in and of itself. Really expensive too if you can find any clean, working examples at all.

Must haves would depend on which company you're concentrating on. If it's just an open, anything goes type of snare collection, you're going to get so many suggestions, you won't know where to begin.

Among my 'must haves' from that era...

George Way - Aristocrat

Ludwig (pre-1961) COB Super

Any pre-serial Ludwig - Jazzfest

Rogers - Dynasonic - 60's

And about 500 other great snares I can think of...

John

Well, personally, I'd start in the mid 30's rather than 1940... that being said, here's my list:

Ludwig All Metal (2-pc brass)

Ludwig Black Beauty (20's/30's)

Ludwig Super (Metal or Wood)

Ludwig Supraphonic (aluminum)

Ludwig Acrolite

Slingerland Radio King

Slingerland Krupa Brass (black/brass badge)

Rogers Dynasonic

Gretsch 4160

Gretsch Broadcaster (30's)

Gretsch Progressive Jazz (4 x 14)

Camco Aristrocrat

WFL Hollywood

WFL Metal

WFL Buddy Rich (aka Super Classic)

Leedy Broadway (30's)

Wartime Drum (Slingerland Rolling Bomber/Gretsch Defender/WFL Victorious/Ludwig Victory)

I have an affection (perhaps infection) for 20's/30's Super Ludwig's, both wood and COB models.

Radio Kings, earlier than 1940, as I feel the quality was much better. The re-rings don't seem to separate as with post war models.

Rogers Dynasonic,both wood and COB. What a design! Enough said!

As John mentioned, COB Supra phonic. It's a must have.

I have a few personal favorites I have found, Gretsch M4155 in 8x14 from the late 70's/early 80's. These drums are versatile and sound terrific!

Gotta have a nice Acrolite.

Jeez! I could go on all night!guitar3

Just sneaking in late 60's early 70's ,Fibes fiberglass and acrylic snares.

Thanks guys

You have given me lots to think about, I appreciate the information.

Pretty much all of the above plus for me a vintage Pearl COB snare like Stewart Copeland used to record most of the Police hits, a 4214. Die cast batter hoop optional. I have the size he used,14x5 and also the deeper version. Sounds and cracks nicer than my 7 line Dyna... :)

Oops, just re-read the OP and see you were looking for USA made snares, was wondering why the lists seemed non international :D

Some of the greatest drums were made between 1920-1940