Like this on the top and side view of the l......

.....

The pointy bottomed I helps me quite a bit....

Looking forward to a definite on that characteristic

Thanks!!

All part of the friendly service.

Meanwhile I had a quick run through my reference picture collection for Large Stamps after noticing that the top portion of the stamp was missing on that HB. The results are interesting. We already know that there are two late 1950s small stamps, and one has the missing top portion. Here is the example of the distinction:

[img]http://black.net.nz/avedis/images/SSA.jpg[/img]

[img]http://black.net.nz/avedis/images/SSB.jpg[/img]

And in full context with the words click here: http://black.net.nz/avedis/avedis-gallery.html#SSB

but scroll up on that link a little to see why it was important to find the different width in the ZILDJIAN Co between these. Until then we might have had an intermittent stamping flaw rather than a different die.

I've been meaning to examine Large Stamps since Cliff's SSA vs SSB discovery and this thread put me in mind of that. So:

Large Stamp Hartrick Type I (Hollow Block)

full impression: 1

broken along the top: 3

top missing: 10

Large Stamp Hartrick Type II (3 dots)

full impression: 10

broken along the top: 0

top missing: 0

Large Stamp Hartrick Type III (no 3 dots)

full impression: 0

broken along the top: 0

top missing: 10

In the 1960s the stamps tend to be completely pressed in, or with one particular die (1.25") there can be gaps in the top but not usually the whole top missing (whole top missing as seen in the SSA example). Stats to come later on the 60s and other eras.

So given a 3 dot stamp which you think might be a Hollow Block, if the top is fully pressed in then it probably isn't a Hollow Block on that basis. Combine this info with things like the pointy letters when you get an uncertain one. I've got a number of uncertain (or let's say "hard to be sure") examples on file. Here's one with the complete upper portion, pointy (or thinner on the bottom) letters in the AVEDIS (and it's not always the I as I mentioned before), and what might be mistaken as hollow block ZILDJIAN Co. But it's 60s, and a 1.5" tall stamp.

[img]http://black.net.nz/avedis/images/60s-1p5-looks-hb.jpg[/img]

Finally, if you look at the Co portion you will see that it doesn't look as Hollow Block as the ZILDJIAN part. That's another telltale to look for. In a true Hollow Block every part will be well formed. In the "looks like it might be a Hollow Block" there is usually some part which isn't clean enough to pass.

And yes, all of this stuff will eventually make in onto my site so you don't have to remember some old thread here and try and find it...

Sir, I'm going to send you pictures of any old A or K of note I run across from here on out. It takes a special kind of eye and mind to do this work, and I'm glad you're here. Hopefully I can help expand your sample sizes.

Bill Who ???

Never heard of him.

I once bought a 20" that turned out to be a 22", but your one wins! 26" is a nice rarity. Nice patina, as you said. I'd be very interested in hearing it. I've sold all my Avedis with the exception of some very light Made In Canada Avedis Hi Hats that are very nice to play. I must get some more Avedis, but I'm steering clear of those Medium weights. I want some nice, light ones.

Here's a video I made yesterday [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN9-Btupfs4"]Vintage Avedis Zildjian 26" Ride Cymbal Sample - YouTube[/ame]

It's dark for an A and kinda wobbly just because it's so big, but it's not thin. Best stick feel I've ever come across.

I should mention, the recording was made with a Beyerdynamic M88 Classic from about two feet away. Into a Canon T4i, no processing.

This cymbal sounds very nice! As far as old A's go this is a gem! Nice dark sound and a little dry too. Nice sound file. Thanks for sharing!