Kona thanks a lot! that is exactly why I love this site. People are so helpful and I am learning a lot. I am pretty convinced it is a "junior pro" single tension snare without the single tension rod. That is what I come up with after looking at the catalogs on here anyway. I hope some people come back to this and are able to tell me their thoughts as well. Thanks again! Cheers!

I believe what you have is a Dixieland model snare drum, but I think its a bit older than you think it is. Does the interior of the drum have silver sealer paint? If not it is probably mid-1950's or earlier, possibly from the 1940's....

The dixieland model snare drums from the 1960's would have had the die-cast "broadkaster" lugs, silver sealer interior paint, possibly a big paper label (depending on the year it was made) inside, and starting in the mid 60's diecast hoops, not the style of lugs/claws/tension rods/hoops your drum has.

My shell does have the silver sealer inside but no trace of a paper ever being there. Also no date stamp or anything inside it.

As far as the hoop... it would depend on how handy you are. I'd look at it on a flat surface and determine which way it needed to be bent. I'd probably mark it with masking tape. Then maybe support it from underneath on two opposite outside points and very, very judiciously bend it back. I might use a piece of wood to push on it. Go real slow and constantly check where you're at on a flat surface. It probably wouldn't hurt to run the hoop under very hot water before you start.

My step brother works in a machine shop and he is trying to work them back to level again. He also is trying to put a new rivet on the throwoff.

Anyone know any vintage Gretsch dealers in MI? Preferrably near Grand Rapids or Lansing even. I may be willing to travel as well if it was the next state or so over. Take the family on a day trip!