I don't know if the case is original, but they use to sell Del Rey snares with cases at sears in the late 60's. there looks to be a small smooth area on each side "see pic", that could have been were a sticker would be. I thought the muffler would rattle too , but it doesn't. I finally got it to sound more like a snare by turning the rods as tight as I could. I was a little scared something would give, but I can tell you that I am the first person to open this snare up since it was made. the rods look like they have never had a key on them and the original heads were stuck to the rims with not much dust and wood chips around them. I would have no problem calling this a museum quality drum, if there was such a thing for these drums Mind Blowi I'm going to work on getting the original snares straight, a few of them looked liked they were pulled out of shape being pulled of a snare stand. I'm sure this was the wrap I had on the whole set I started with in 70-71. not sure of exact date yet.

More pics,

Thanks for more pics....

What a cool finish!

Some top of the line heads should make quite a difference in the sound too,of course..

I cleaned the case with my favorite cleaning product "Mr Clean Magic Eraser" it looks pretty good now with only a few scraps and scuffs. also missing 1 screw in the bottom latch. after I cleaned it ,I could see that the small smooth rectangle area's have what's left of the original sticker, just the adhesive part. Maybe some one can identify it from that. I sort of think that case may have come along later.

I put the ambassadors on it, but I think I need a diplomat snare side and a very thin top head to crisp it up, any suggestions? I wanted to see it with one of sets, it almost looks good with them.

Man, that case is sweet! One of the best looking MIJ drums I've ever seen, hands down.

Fantastic. Never seen a wrap like that one. Just need a lava lamp, a bong.....well anyways. Looks in great shape. Sometimes you just gotta have something, so price doesn't matter. I have a few things like that.

That snare looks to cool for school with that kit!

Yeah, try a few different heads on the snare until you get it sounding the way you want. The last MIJ wood shell snare did best for me with coated Ambassadors on the batter and a very thin Evans hazy on the snare side.

This one is a very early one. It has the Star early 60s strainer. When you figure out how to tune it you make it sing.

First of all, use a thin batter, maybe an Aquarian Z-100. These old MIJ snares take some loving to get to know. Once you figure out how it works and how to tune it, you will use for gigs. This little 3 ply shell is a bugger til you learn it's nuances. Good looking drum!

If you need some help, get to me via email and I will help you learn to love this drum.

I was thinking it had to be somewhere in the mid 60's because of the strainer, and because the wrap reminds me of the Psychedelic time. I really can't believe that this snare is that old and still looks new. Do you think the case could be that old too ? I don't think I'll use this for any gigs, I don't want to due anything stupid like put any marks on the shell or badge, or expose it to cigarette smoke. How much could this be worth for insurance purposes or if I want to sell it to a collector? thanks for the info, randy