Hello,
I have recently found a authentic pre 1900s Gretsch rope tension field drum (pic attached) in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan.
I suspect it is an original because it has a banjo tuner knob instead of round machined knob for the throw off.
Its exact same as the drum on this link worthpoint that was appraised at $2000.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/pre-early-1900s-gretsch-marching-178902411
any details and thoughts of value would be appreciated.
banjo tuner style
few more pics
Does yours have the badge ?
That`s quite the find.
We have an antique rope drum member here so if he sees it, he`s the guy to listen to.
Have you asked Big Foot? He might actually know who`s it is.:D
It deosnt have the badge, but where it would have been the finish is discolored in the shape of the badge above the soundhole.
it is a great drum to research because of the Banjo tuner that was used could be one of Friedrich Gretschs first drum models ? using parts from banjos he was already making?
It deosnt have the badge, but where it would have been the finish is discolored in the shape of the badge above the soundhole. it is a great drum to research because of the Banjo tuner that was used could be one of Friedrich Gretschs first drum models ? using parts from banjos he was already making?
Have you looked inside it ?
no i havent the skills to ensure it goes back together and want to keep it original so have only been able to peek through the soundhole and the one skin slice.
Yea I don`t think I would either. We have a member (CT pro percussion) that does drums like yours or civil war era rope drums too.
Yes, you'll want to contact Matt at ctpropercussion.com. He's an international expert on anything to do with historical rope-tensioned drums. He's done work for museums and private collectors around the world, and has done some beautiful restorations in addition to custom building modern rope drums. I can endorse his work because he made these for my group:
[Attachment: 113525]
He hasn't been here on the VDF lately, so you should probably contact him directly through his site. Good luck.
Mike
