Mark, you're almost certainly correct that this is a 3-ply shell. Per Dr. CJ Wenk there were very few solid shells after early '65 and solid shells should not have date stamps. This one has a JUN '65 date stamp as well as a P stamp. A solid shell should have neither. Serial number fits with date stamp. A fairly unmolested original drum but likely not a solid shell. Good eye.

Now $336.00 plus $50.00 shipping someone may end up unhappy!

Hi slingerfan! I completely forgot that the solid shell snares had no dates or P stamps! I just looked inside my solid shell, pre-serial, Niles Artist snare drum and it is as you mentioned.

I honestly don't understand why bidding is so high for this snare drum! I've got a Deluxe Student, WMP, serial number 59512, with a "P" and APR 65 stamped on the shell. Even has the original heads!

-Mark

I know the snare above turned out to be a 3ply, but for the sake of discussion, single ply Hollywood Aces do exist. Quite rare, but I have seen a few. Here's an Ace I owned for a bit with a solid shell. I also own a special student model 6-lugger with a solid shell. The Ace had a pre-serial Niles badge, and the Student has a Chicago badge.

this blue 8 lugger is on goodwill auction site.

Nice Artist model from '65. Almost certainly a 3-ply.

Yes, they do exist. Both of your examples are pre '63 drums.

The grain on the interior is usually a giveaway that it's a ply shell. There are different ways to cut veneer from a log but the maple used in most drums was cut as if you were pulling paper towels off a roll. That grain patter will be quite different from a board cut from a log.

Yes, a very good point... Rarely raised though.. one that we all need to study.

Cheers

John