Magnets don't stick to aluminum shells either, a "magnet test" is useless in this instance (or on any Supra).

I doubt it's brass but the only way to tell is to pull off a lug and file one of the holes a bit and see what color the shavings are. The interior color doesn't tell you anything because they plate the drum with copper before the nickel before the chrome (which is really more of a protective clear finish for the silver nickel plate) and these can give the interior a brass like hue...which has fooled a LOT of people.

It would sure be cool if it did turn out to be brass though.

I smell pre Acrolite prototype...

weighing it might give you some clues too.

Maybe Mike has a weight on his and you could compare.

The brass would be heavier I believe.(also the lugs are different so could affect over all final weight).

Wayne

Hi Wayne! I've weighed quite a few of my shells and will post them here. This is for the bare shell only, with everything removed except badges and, in the case of Rogers, the "Rogers" script logo...

Ludwig Standard Acrolite 5x14 1lb 11.5oz

Ludwig Acrolite Black Galaxy 1lb 12.5oz

Gretsch COB 6145 5x14 3lb 5.5oz

Rogers COS SuperTen 5x14 3lb 6.5oz

Rogers COB Powertone 5x14 2lb 13.5oz

Ludwig Supraphonic 5x14 –my drum 1lb 13.0oz

Rogers Dynasonic 5x14 5-line 3lb 3.0oz

Rogers Dynasonic 5x14 7-line 1966 3lb 4.5oz

All shells were weighed on my commercial-grade Pitney Bowes scale.

Hope this helps!

-Mark

I happen to have access to a Pitney Bowes scale. So, I should just weigh the shell, correct?

And just to check, I shouldn't give this to my 6year old son to make make sand castles with yet.? Right? LoL

From the era that it appears to be from, I wouldn't "expect" that to be a brass shell. The first step would be to verify if it has crimped snare beds or not. If present, then we could move to next step. If not present, i'd say no for sure, based on the era.

As Mike points out, let's verify the snare beds. No need to strip the drum down at this time! Start with removing both heads and take some pictures of the shell, showing the snare beds. We can proceed from there!

Yes, Pitney Bowes made some great scales! I worked for them for a brief period as a Field Technician and acquired my scale from a local college who was upgrading to a newer scale. The scale they gave me sure is one heavy sucker...but very accurate!

-Mark

Hi mike,

I will take a pic and post later tonight when I am home.

Scratch that, have to take the pic tomorrow morning. Will post then.

Have a great night all!