Hoppy - I read your post. Ok, so I go downstairs to write down the serial number on the bronze supra and guess what? There is no number on the badge! It's a Monroe style Keystone that says Ludwig across the top and has Chicago, Ill at the bottom. But no number either screened or stamped on it anywhere. You ever hear of that? Badge with no number?
I got the year of manufacture from an article I read that stated that the Monroe style keystones with Chicago on the bottom were only used in 1984 for about 6 months, right before the move to Monroe.
You got me man. I don't know what it means that the badge has no number. Go figure Ludwigs' cataloging system anyway! Number or no, it's hands down one of the best sounding/playing snare drums I have ever owned.
John