For the history/mystery books, here's a couple of pics of my 22" "S" stamp.

Yes, my understanding is that they did. There was a drum shop in Boston that used to sell "S" stamped cymbals that were said to be from the US (Norwell) plant. They were supposed to be factory seconds, not damaged or off-sound but with visual manufacturing defects (like small rippled or discolored areas). The prices were better than the stamped cymbals, but probably only 20% or so less. My first ride was one of the "S" cymbals - bought by my parents trying to save some money. I still use it - I own a bunch of cymbals and its still my favorite ride (some of that it of course that I'm so used to it).

This was in the late 60's, early 70's. I don't know when Avedis Zildjian starting selling them with the stamp, but the ones I've seen are all from that time period (60's - 70's).

I have a couple more of them that I've gotten over the years and one oddity - a large ride with both an A Zildjian and an S stamp. I don't know why it has both stamps, but that pretty well proves that some at least were manufactured in Norwell.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Pssssst...Norwood....Norwood....[/COLOR]

Ok, resurrecting this 4 year old thread to say that swish cymbal looks amazing. I'm looking for one of those...

Meee tooo. Been buzzing around on fleabay and places looking for one. And dang they have a lot of rivets in them too!! Some have 20-24 that I've seen. Must sound like bacon in the frying pan. I'm looking for a older one myself. Good luck to you!

i actually had a 1920'a zil with a s on it very cool pie

Would that be Tonys Music Box on Queen St? I have friends that have worked there. I have somehow managed to go by the Meductic Sabian factory dozens of times without stopping. I have family in the fredericton area and it's always a long mad dash to get there...or I'm my way between 2 gigs and don't have time. I was sad to hear of Robert Zildjians' passing in march and my family all sent me FB links.

Anyways, thanks for the close to home story! I have a guitarist/producer friend here who covets his 15" Azco hi hats. All the drummers who record at his studio set them up, so they end up on all his productions. Priceless!