Really hard to say without photos.

Bring a friend, drum key, tape measure and $, there's alot to look for, badges, serial numbers , interiors of the shells, and if they're round, to start.

If you like them, make an offer, could be a good deal.

Thanks, GAR.

I'm 49 and I've seen my share of vintage kits, so I'm well versed in the typical drum inspection process. I'll certainly remove the heads and check bearing edges, shell plies, construction, signs of water/heat damage, etc., but I'm not a vintage Ludwig expert, so I was querying for Ludwig specfic information that might be helpful.

I did some homework last night. I have the serial number chart in hand as well as a general idea of various styles of the keystone badge. I've got a picture of a 68 Black Oyster Pearl so I can try to determine if the hardware (lugs/rods/mounts/legs etc) is original or has been replaced with something else.

The fact that it's advertised as a 5 piece makes me think it might have a bass mount and two mounted toms which might be less desirable than a virgin kick with one high tom and two floors. Still, if they are in good shape physically and the wrap is intact, badges haven't been altered, etc. I'll probably go ahead and make an offer.

Thanks again for your help.

Sounds like you've got it covered.

I'd guess there are two mounted toms on the bass drum and they may even be the same size, 12x8. Of course depending if the owner has dated them right. Alot of times a seller will call the finish black oyster pearl, when it may be a "bowling ball" finish, a little different. I can post or send a pic of the bowling ball finish if you can't find an example.

Good luck.

13x9, bowling ball finish, '72.

The official name of that color was BLUE Oyster Pearl.....and there were two versions of it just like Black Oyster Pearl.....they changed the wrap style in the early 70's to what you show in your picture......the earlier blue oyster had a pattern similar to the classic "Ringo Black Oyster" but with a blue hue....not as pronounced a blue as the later one pictured, but blue non-the -less....

Thanks guys.

I just talked to the seller who said the owner (who has keys to the storage) won't be available until tomorrow evening. He did say he's had 3 or 4 others interested and one told him if it's what he thinks/hopes it is, he'll pay more than the asking price. I might also, but I can't afford to go too high. I guess it was too much to hope for to be the only interested buyer :)

So the plan for now is to meet tomorrow evening (he's scheduling interested parties at different times) then let us make our offer and sell to the highest bidder. So this could turn into a bidding war if they are a good condition, keystone badge, Black Oyster Pearl kit and not a similarly wrapped set of Standards, which were apparently also available in '68.

That is hot stuff!

My Oct 1967 Oyster Blue .

Sweet kit! And as everyone can see, the earlier blue oyster was much better looking than the later "bowling ball" blue oyster.....