http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/painting_shell_interiors.html

That should get you what you need.

Dang that was fast! Thanks. Now to track down galvanized fence paint.

Also, any references for dating this shell by its model and serial # on the paper tag?

Dating Gretsch drums is usually done by badge.

http://www.gretschdrums.com/?fa=historybadges

This should help.

Unfortunately what I have is a shell with paper tag and no badge. However, I may be able to narrow it down based on the # of digits in the serial#

Quote from Gretsch:

Reasonably reliable dating-system for RB drums by serial number: four or less digits = early-'60s; five digits = mid-'60s, and six digits = late-'60s. (Late-'60s drums usually have internal hex-head shaped screws rather than the earlier round-head style.)

This is for Roundbadge drums. After that, it becomes a bit more dicey.

Yep, I saw that on the referred web page. Thanks.

Looks like 57516 is going to be mid 60's. Maybe I can find the right badge for it, but, man they sure have been pricey on ebay!

Gretsch=pricey, dang it...I'm loking for a Gretsch round badge as well, and they aren't cheap. I'm just going ahead with th project, and when I find one, I find one....possibly never would be OK too.

I am of the same mindset.

Here's a Round Badge. Good price and you get a drum to boot. Not a bad deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1940s-Gretsch-Round-Badge-Parade-Snare-NR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a1Q7c66Q3a4Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3ef534430fQQitemZ270401815311QQptZVintgaeQ5fDrumsQ5fPercussionQQsalenotsupported