I think someone wrote something about this a real LONG time ago:

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=7235

And Zildjian is not one of the oldest companies in the world. There's Avedis USA, since 1929; and then there's K. Zildjian Istanbul 1623 - 1977.

And anyone who tries to put them together is full of horse pucky.

I guess even wiki didnt get it right

Avedis Zildjian CompanyFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search Avedis Zildjian Company

Type Private

Industry Cymbal manufacturer

Founded 1623 (original)

1929 (in the US)

Headquarters Norwell, Massachusetts, United States

Key people Avedis Zildjian, Founder

Armand Zildjian

Craigie Zildjian, Current CEO

Debbie Zildjian

Website Official website

The Avedis Zildjian Company (/ˈzɪldʒ(i)ən/[1]) is an American cymbal manufacturer founded in Istanbul by Armenian Avedis Zildjian in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire. At nearly 400 years old, Zildjian is one of the oldest companies in the world. It also sells drum-related accessories, such as drum sticks and cymbal carriers. It is the largest cymbal manufacturer in the world.[2][3][4][5][6]

It probably didn't.

Anyway, it doesn't matter.

How many OTHER instruments made before 1900 do you see around? Certainly, there are some, but not many of them. Church organs, those are often VERY old, pianos, very very expensive and valued violins, maybe some flutes, timpani... Certainly not two metal discs that get bashed together again and again. I think most of these cymbals simply didn't survive and were replaced be newer ones. Remember that "vintage" became a thing in percussion fairly recently.

That's the official storyline that the company puts out these days. But when K. Zildjian still existed as a separate entity, Avedis Zildjian when to great lengths to claim that THEY...and only they were the one true Zildjian...and that their company has no branches...etc. etc.

But now that Avedis owns the rights to the K. Zildjian trademark, they want to pretend that were in fact one and the same company all along.

Obviously they can't have it both ways and yet that's exactly what they're trying to do at this point.

Yet some 18th century examples still do exist. I've personally owned some examples that dated to well over 100 years old.

That's really cool!

Well, there goes the answer for the initial question.

What are they like?

Well, let's see now....

As I recall they're bronze-ish colored, with dark patina....they're round....and they've got this hole in the middle...

But seriously:

Actually since they're made as orchestral pairs, their heavy weight is suited only for just that. But they're dark and ancient sounding.

Well, looks like we have to go to Isbanbul to see any 200+ year old cymbals,

this is from the horses mouth

Gary,

That's a really tough question to answer.

I don't think there is anyone who could answer this question because the date of manufacture was never put on the cymbal until we developed laser etching here in America.

I have heard that there are a number of very old cymbals in the Ottoman Archives. These cymbals would not be allowed to leave Turkey because they are considered to be antiques well over 100 years old.

Gary, I'm sorry I could not be more helpful.

Best wishes,

Craigie Z.

Hi!

Anyone have the example of pre-1900 Zildjians.

If you have,please post the pictures and soundfiles.

Thanks!