Here is a current picture of the kit.

Are there date stamps inside? I'm looking for a birthday one... Did Ludwig date stamp only snare drum or others as well? Can't recall..

Yes, all three drums are stamped MAR 12 1965 No snare, I mean I have one but not a matched date, just the bass, mounted tom, and floor tom are matched.

Tough decision. It shouldn't affect your friendship if you decide to sell or not. If it does, then he's not a true friend. But i'm sure that's not the case with you guys ;) These kits are always popping up anyway, but in the condition yours is in, may be a little difficult. I honestly don't know what i'd do, then again i'm not as attached to vintage drums as i used to be. If i were to make a quick decision, i'd sell the kit. Your buddy will appreciate the gesture and sacrifice, as well as thinking you're a generous guy. Whatever the case, good luck on your decision. !

cheers,

Rob

Beautiful kit

Tough decision and can't help you there, just thought I would let you know it looks sweet.

Wayne

friend-ship turned to hen-ship, i'd keep them! joking aside, real nice kit.

Ha ha , Thanks everyone but the question is, "does Matched Date increase the value?"

That is why I've kept them so long, they sit in the rehearsal room just waiting to be hit.

To the right kind of buyer it might mean that much for a slightly higher offer. I don't think it's that big of a deal to have matched dates and would not pay any more just because of that. Date stamps are the least important aspect for a drum/kit. Often they aren't even there: rubbed off.

It's condition, condition, condition.

as for dates I would think it nearly impossible for 3 different size drums to be completed on the exact same date, but then I know nothing about the assembly line, and i'm ready to be corrected.