The K's that were sold out of the Gretsch warehouse were. But not just the K's either. Ajahas sold from there were similarly stamped with the "G".

This pair is an exceptionally rare find. It looks to me like from the front-side shot that the paper label on the right cymbal was originally pasted on top. I concluded this by the greenish rectangular area which is apparent in that view. Weird things like that did happen from time to time. I still have a 22" old stamp that came with the paper label pasted right on top of the signature.

Gorgeous, gorgeous cymbals, thanks for sharing!

I don't think I've ever seen a "G" stamp on a K later than a Type 2a old stamp. Would you say that's accurate, Bill?

I wonder if those green spots are oxidation from the leather straps resting on the bronze. They are coming from the bellhole, and are on the tops of each cymbal. The shape looks like the profile of a hand strap to me. And if the cymbals were resting on each other, it also makes sense that the same leather strap oxidation occurred on the underside of each cymbal.

Good point mlvibes. Bill if there are close-up photos you'd like to see of any areas let me know and I'll get them up. Perhaps a few profile shot would be of interest.

Actually no. I've seen examples going all the way back to the type I old stamps. But this one is the first example from the Constantinoples that I've ever seen.

Yes, I think you're right. I failed to see that they both have oxidized areas on the top-sides, and so now I also agree that the leather straps would have to be be the best explanation for that. The rectangular region on the back of only that one of these may have been either from the original pasted on label, or from the leather strap that once rested on the other side, I don't think now that it can be said for certain just which one was actually the cause.

Sinclair, those look stunning, man.

Any way you can record a sound-file of them being crashed/played/etc.?

I'd love to hear them.

Hey Em. Played with sticks they're a bit clangy. If you had eyes closed i doubt you'd pick them out of a group as a desirable ride sound. i'd do it anyway.

I think mlvibes was asking whether you've seen the "G" stamp on K's later (aka- newer) than the type 2a vintage.

I'd be curious about that, too.

I hear ya. I'd bet they sound incredible when crashed together, as intended.

Most of the 18" K's (for drum-set use) I've liked have been heavier ones, but none have been quite as heavy as these (and they've been about an inch smaller, too).

Look forward to hearing them, anyway, man.

Another shot of the backs. Left cymbals at 11:00 look like where a paper label might have been.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/agopsalott/IMG_0358_zpsbfd46ab8.jpg[/IMG]

Woops....yes the IIb period seems to be the cut-off era for the "G" stamp.