Hey John,

Wonderfull snares!! Thanks for the pics.

You sure the Duco project snare isn't a big badge? Looks exact to mine. My snare badge measures 2" x 1 3/8". My 26x14 bass has the same. 1949 to 1952. Brass grommet. Per Mr. Coopers site:

http://www.coopersvintagedrums.com/newslinghistory.htm

As on the same web site. Your mahogany snare appears to match the 1954 +3 years badge type. Aluminum grommet. Surprised single flange clip rims would still be sold that late. Sell until run out I guess.

Slingy history, sorting models is great fun. I think both of yours are the "Pro" model per the 1941 catalog. Just badged when sold. Are they ply or solid?

Glenn,

You are more than welcome. Thanks for helping out a newbie!!

Creighton

> Are they ply or solid?

One is 3-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany with maple re-rings and the older/Duco drum is maple outside/poplar/mahogany inside with maple re-rings. I haven't yet played the project snare (the Duco one,) but I can tell you the mahogany drum is a stone killer. Solid, warm and it produces a great woody-snare drum note.

You are absolutely correct about the badges! I guess I didn't look close enough when the project drum arrived, but it is a late 40's/early 50's (larger oval, different font/typeface) snare drum. The mahogany snare has the 54' to 57' smaller oval (w/aluminum grommet) badge.

I'm going to keep the mahogany drum and sell off the Duco project drum. If anybody following this thread has a hankering for one of these, I'm open to serious offers. PM me.

Sorry for the shameless plug... I just figure anybody following this thread will be an RK lover. Hopefully I'll find a good home for the Duco RK. I don't need two.

Good call on the badges!

John

PS - I neglected to mention that; the mahogany snare originally came with Sound King lugs, which would have helped to date it to 55'. I used modern chrome over brass Radio King repro lugs in place of the Sound King lugs. I just like the design and solid feel of the clamshell RK lugs. When I first introduced the drum I told everybody about the alteration (swapped out lugs,) but I've had it for a little while now and I'm used to seeing it as it is now. I just clean forgot to mention the lug swap here when I posted the photos. I'm a dummy sometimes!

John

Hey John,

Hijack all you want. Thanks for the update. I really don't need two either but I am interested in the Duco. Beam me a PM and will go from there. Piggy bank be a bit low but will see what can be done. You sir, are no dummy. The information that you share has helped me and I'm sure others many times!

Thanks!!

Creighton

Curious bit of information gleaned from this auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/the-golden-grail-cloudbadge-slingerland-radioking-snare-tubelugs-3point-/251394825092?pt=US_Drums&hash=item3a884c9b84

>Except for later (48'-53') student models,no R/K ever had single flange hoops >with clips. Also, ALL R/K's have mufflers,and most have R/K snare brackets on >either side as part of the patent. Assuming this drum has a solid maple >shell,these clues all point to it being a late 30's Professional Model. Similar to >the artist model,but 8 lugs,no muffler or tone flange.

Anyone know if Mr. Dave Walters is correct? Myself and John seem to have snares with "Radio King" hoops and 49-52 large badge that do not appear to be student models.

Missing something here? Thanks for any help.

Creighton

I think ours were called; The 'Swingster' model! It was manufactured in the 40's and is identical to ours. Single-flange hoops and clips, 8-Beavertails, no rails under the strainer/butt, 7" x 14" RK shell... the whole nine yards. I found -one- in the 'Sold Items' section at ebay that sold for $700.

Same condition as ours... it wasn't a 'museum piece' by any stretch of the imagination. We're sitting pretty with these!

John

Cool. I like "Swingster". Thanks!

Creighton