1937-8? Mr. Ludwig had to change the company name to WFL because of this badge. Conn, who owned the rights to the name "Ludwig" went after him because of this badge.

That's a cool old drum. I've never seen one of those before. I wish it was mine!

Is there a seam inside the shell? If it's brass, it'll have one. Is it a heavy drum? Check the inside part of a lug hole. If the metal has a brassy color, it's brass. If no seam and no brass it may be an early aluminum shell - but I doubt it. Likely a brass drum. Who painted it black inside and out? Certainly not Ludwig.

John

Ah yah some of the black chipped on the inside and revealed gold so I'm inclined to think it's brass as well. It's got some heft, but I wouldn't consider it heavy. That's a bummer that you think the paint is not Ludwig...I recently scored this and the matching BD at a yard sale where the only history reported on it was "...they were my grandfather's" so as to who painted them? God only knows but if not Ludwig, is there a considerate way to remove the paint and not hurt the drum? I'm a bit of an ignoramus when it comes to this stuff if you all can't tell.

There were Leedys and Ludwig and Ludwig Pioneers that were black enameled brass shells from the same era, so it's likely that the black is original, especially since there's brass where it chipped and not nickel.

very nice. i have an early pioneer that is black lacquer/enamel straight over brass. theres one on ebay right now too. id leave it in place.

Sweet drumpet! Removing the paint could be a bit of a chore. Maybe a busen burner and a paint scraper? That might be a bit harsh. you could boil it in vinegar, but given the size of the drum you'd need a large container and a good few liters of vinegar and I couldn't really see you going through with that. It would be nice to get it down to brass. If you can do then please show pictures. Good luck.

Whoever painted it did a good job by the look of it. Are you sure this is not the way it came from the Ludwig factory? Take a look at the badge - it doesn't seem like it was ever removed and to paint it as well as this you'd have to remove the badge or maybe who ever did it just used masking tape over the badge?

Leave it alone, do you have the top hoop?

How about pics of the bass drum??