I've been checking through the Slingerland Book by Rob cook and don't see very much info on full drum kits from the late 20's to 30's, but there are a few pics from the Dave Brown collection. The snares and bass drums definitely had brass cloud badges beginning in '28, cant tell if the toms did or not. Good luck!

Radio kings only have badges on the snare drum and bass drums, the toms didn't have badges,also the dates are wrong!! not Radio kings during that time period, in fact slingerland would of only been making drums for a few years at all during that time period!

We've got plenty of good Slingerland info. You can print 'em out and bring them with you.

Slingerland resources on the Vintage Drum Guide

DrCJW's Slingerland Articles on the Vintage Drum Guide

I'd suggest studying up on early Slingerland stuff and printing out some choice materials to bring with you. The catalog scans from the top link above should be particularly helpful, along with the badge timeline and maybe the three-point strainer timeline.

...and to comment on the little info you have so far:

(1) No badges = bad. If the drums have been stripped of their badges, I'd worry about what else might've been done to them.

(2) The Radio King name came into use in 1936, so the drums (or at least that rim) aren't quite as old as the owner believes. The engraved rims were in use from the late '30s through the late '50s.

(3) I've seen some 1930s Slingerland kits in pretty darn good shape go unsold at $1500. If this kit has issues, don't be afraid to walk away.

Wow, thanks guys, in Sky's opinion (and everyone else), is it worth the drive to check them out and say offer $1000 cash if the wrap and hardware is decent? The cymbals, apparently Zildjian) also intrigue me, worth the drive?

Vote yes or no :)

No way to vote without seeing them.... they could be toast

It's a total crapshoot. You could drive all that way only to find a beat up pile of drums that might be Slingerlands, or you could hit the gold mine with some great old Radio Kings and if you're really lucky, old Zildjian K's.

To borrow a quote from Dirty Harry, "you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?'"

Oh, and one other thing I forgot to mention: If you do go, bring a tape measure. If you're going to potentially shell out a bunch of cash for drums, you'll want to make sure the shells are in round. Measure the diameter of each shell at a few points on both sides, lug to opposite lug, to make sure they're reasonably consistent.

Hello all,

An update, I bought the kit for $1000, a 3 piece Ensemble model, Krupa snare and the date is between 48-50 (Unique tan / bronze badges WERE on the snare and kick. Needs good cleaning and spurs for the kick. Pictures will follow in a week.

Looking for the spurs and a floor tom in WMP from that era if anyone can help

Thanks !

Jan