I have recently aquired a circa 1949-1951 WFL Buddy Rich Bebop Piccolo Snare drum. This is not the common 13" but the much rarer 14". It is in generally decent condition but does have one significant flaw. The wood around the damper hole has collapsed rendering the damper useless. There are no washers on the inside or outside of the hole leading me to believe that their absence is likely contributory to why the hole collapsed in the first place.
My inclination is to remove the damper completely and fill in the hole and surrounding collapsed area with wood filler, but that would leave a hole in the finish where the damper control used to be. So then I could re-wrap the drum with vintage wrap but if I do that it's no longer original. What should I do? Do I have some other options I'd like to sell this drum once I have completed it's restoration. If I do re-wrap will it wreck the value? I've seen the more common 13" versions of these drums sell for as much as $1000, but usually in pristine condition. Not sure what the value of this one is, but I'm thinking even with the damage it's at least $500.
Any advice?