Picked up this kit at an out of the way pawn shop ... 20,13,16 in what appeares to be YCS finish (Yellowed Champagne Sparkle??), with ReRing Luan shells. Floor Tom has the badge, I have the badge for the Bass Drum though it needs to be reattached and the rack tom's badge is missing. I can't find any real info on Victoria other than the name appearing on "500+ drum brands of the 60's" list ... I assume it's a stencil kit.
ReRing shells indicate mid 60's ... right?
Any ideas on whether it's Pearl or Star?
Anyone know any more about Victoria?
Sorry, no before photos ... the drums were dirty but in fairly good shape ... just took everything apart and cleaned then reassembled ... about 7-8 hours total for me and my 17 year old son. It was some real quality time working together. We got a lot of info from this forum to help ... Thanks!
It was kind of a sentimental purchase since it looks just like my Dad's old kit (Kent 1500 in similar looking finish, no floor tom) that went with his house after he passed. This has been a great experience fixing up with my son and he plans to use it in his jazz combo at school ... wish it really was my Dad's old kit. This won't be our last restoration and we learned a lot and will do better the next time.
For $170 the 3 drums came with all the original hardware (kick mounted cymbal arm, spurs and rack tom mount) and:
An old Kent Snare and stand (have not tackled that yet, it has a replaced throw and is a little rougher overall, same vintage I believe, and very close to the same finish)
A junky old 20" ride cymbal
Working hi hat stand with Vader 14" hats (actually sound pretty good)
We put new G1's on top and bottom of the toms and a PS3 batter on the bass drum ... the front head is an Ambassador weight smooth white head. We're still working on the tuning ... sounds good but not great so far ... suggestions are welcome.
FYI ... the blue sparkle snare in the photos (kind of hidden) is an old Whitehall that I aquired separately ... still needs some cosmetic work but sounds great with a J1/Diplomat snare side on it.