Hi,I am new to this forum. This is my 1st post.I got this cymbal while purchasing a mid 1980's Yamaha's.This is a very special shape cymbal , it's 19" - it has a huge bell, and for old cymbals this is something I never saw.It sounds really amazing, when I hit the bell, it sounds like a "ping" ride, and when I hit towards the brim, it sounds like an explosive crash, really cool.(As a side note: I also got 2 1960's crashes (16" and 18") and a 14" 70's hollow mark new beats hats at the same purchase)I started looking at the Zildjian stamps website (http://www.hidehitters.com/cymbals/Zildjianstamps/timeline.html), and it looked like its a 1960's pie - However, I still wasn't convinced its a regular 1960's cymbal - the mega bell made me wonder... I went thru some adds online, and I found a similar cymbal that someone sells for over 4K$ (!!!) - (I hope this add's still valid)http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-ZILDJIAN-MID-50-S-SPECIAL-PRODUCTION-MEGA-BELL-VINTAGE-20-RIDE-CYMBAL-/120947841432?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item1c290d9998In the add, this guy shows proofs that he was at the Zildjian factory in 2000 to verify/investigate the "roots" of his cymbal, and Mr.Armond Zildjian himself inspected this cymbal, and said that this is a mid 1950's cymbal, it was an experimental prototype with a massive bell, and he said that there were only 4 of these which were made - I was really amazed to hear that, as I heavily use this pie in concerts, rehearsals , I even toured with it to the Mid west during 2011 for a few gigs - Had I known its such a rare cymbal, I would have bought another ride and use that for tours!!Cool DudeI added some pictures of this piece of art.I wanted to get your opinion if this pie really worth 4K$ (U.S $) - If its true what Armond said, and there are only 4 of these out there - I would say it can worth much more... since it's in a great condition. (No cracks, keyholes, just the 'usual' 60-70 years of usage :-))Please give me some feedback about my latest "finding".I guess I'd have to look for another ride for my every day drumming now...Cheers,Tommy

Hello,I understand that this post is well over a year late in response, but regardless I've been helping my father sell most of his old drumming equipment. I understand that it will be hard to believe and/or to prove, but the man selling that A Zildjian 1950's 20 inch Mega Bell Ride cymbal is my Father. I found this forum because I have some friends who are vintage cymbal collectors and I was trying to see if my Father's ad was still up from last year. I also know that it is never easy to believe what you find on the internet, it's completely untrustworthy in some cases! So I understand the doubt. If it's any consolation to it's authenticity, I've seen the documents he had proving what it was, and I remember him telling me when I was younger about all the wonderful encounters with artists and experiences he's had throughout his drumming career (which, that particular cymbal is a part of) and even today when we get into conversation about music & etc. But nonetheless I'm not here to persuade anyone to buy it, i'm simply here to verify that he is being completely honest as to what it is, and that there should be no fallacy. Perhaps the price is a little out there, and I'm slightly disappointed in the negative assumptions about his decision to sell this cymbal, but you must understand that it is one of his most cherished possessions! Cheers,-Jennifer