[COLOR="Red"]Sorry again, I don't know why my photos are reversed, they are fine in my phone?...Help from Mark requested...[/COLOR]

Hi,

I got this drum from John Aldridge about 20 years ago. John is the one who got me interested in DeLuxes (Black Beauties) and this drum proudly resides in the “John Aldridge Wing” of the Curotto Collection. I call this a “Monday Morning at the Office” drum as you will see. This drum is featured on pages 78-79 in my book: VINTAGE SNARE DRUMS THE CUROTTO COLLECTION

1920-25 6.5x14 8 LUG LUDWIG & LUDWIG DeLUXE FANCY SCROLL STANDARD MODEL

THE SHELL:

The shell came to me in great shape with no dings or dents. This is a fancy scroll pattern vs. the more sparce scroll pattern that was also available during this era. I remember John saying that there were three main engravers at the L & L factory but I’m not sure if the fancy vs sparce scroll pattern was an option or just a different engraver that day. Speaking of engravers…you will notice that the “Ludwig Chicago” engraving is in the lower part of the panel as compared to the standard procedure of engraving “Ludwig Chicago” in the top of the panel. It is safe to say that William F. Ludwig Sr. was not one to waste materials so the “Monday at the Office” drum was probably assembled and eventually sold…or was it a special order?

THE HARDWARE:

The hardware is all there and in good shape. This was before I started to restore DeLuxe hardware drums so the hardware remains in the original condition. There is a Leedy of-the-era heater element two panels to the left of the strainer. Heater elements are fine with me as they show that the drum was probably gigged on. I do cringe though when there’s a heater element/light bulb attachment drilled right through the bead of the shell. The gut snares look original to me as you can see in the photo. The of-the-era calf heads also look original to the drum.

What do you think, “Monday Morning at the Office” or special order?

And finally, a family portrait: 4 x14, 5 x 14, 6.5 14 8 lug DeLuxes.

Enjoy!

Mike Curotto