The repro's have a darker olive, the snare in question has the right tint.

I have a Theory on these Serial numberless Registered R are badges. We know Ludwig never used serial #'s between 140XXXX and 149XXXX. At least I've never seen one. The numbers stop somewhere in the 139XXXX and start again in the 150XXXX. I have 2 Numbers on my list that confirm that. The last number I have is 1396XXX and the first is 1505641. Is it possible these Serial Numberless Register R badges WERE produced between those 2 serial #'s??????????

CHECK THIS OUT. I just found this snare on ebay.https://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-LUDWIG-BICENTENNIAL-RED-WHITE-BLUE-PATTERN-C-VISTALITE-5x14-SNARE-DRUM/372773722905?hash=item56cb0b9b19:g:pV8AAOSwAnxcfCyMIt appears there is no serial # on the badge but It does have the Registered R and the badge does look original and not a repo.

The repro's have a darker olive, the snare in question has the right tint.

A couple of questions/comments - * The highest serial number I have before the break in serial numbers is 1371641. How many drums do you have recorded above that and below your 1396XXX example? * I have recorded 1501391 as the lowest example I have seen once the numbers started up again. I also have 1502610, 1502783, 1503322 and 1505538.* You have an interesting theory. I will look at the information I have on the BO2 badges (pointed corner B/O badges with the circle R symbol) and see if they all have characteristics consistent with that time period.

Even nicer examples of the badges being talked about.B Stock badge[img]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127883&d=1570654697[/img]Real BO2[img]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127884&d=1570654697[/img]Another Real BO2[img]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127886&d=1570654697[/img]Fake BO2[img]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127885&d=1570654697[/img]Are you over generalizing from too small a sample of photos taken in different light? See the examples above. There are other differences between these badges so you don't have to rely on color. I've annotated the differences in the fake badge below:[img]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127889&stc=1&d=1570655952[/img]which describe the same flaws as in the vistalite article. Just a second example because I find it helps to have more than one. The B stock badge is different because it says MADE IN U.S.A. in the area for the serial number. Plus that area has a line around it as the BO4 does. The B stock badge isn't based on the BO2.

A link to a nice article regarding fake Vistalites and the reproduction badge often seen on them.http://www.vistalitedrum.com/article_fake_drums.htm

There is a companion bass drum with a no serial number badge available from the same seller.