I think I can make a guess at the date. That light blue wrap appears for one or two years around 1962-63. Ajax it would seem used a darker blue wrap before 62 (seen that but no photo to show) and it would appear had a shipment of light blue which they used as I say for 1 or two years. The lighter wrap was used for English Rogers and other Ajax production. This is English Rogers -

[IMG]http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb77/nutbox/1e39_11.jpg[/IMG]

Not mine, just a photo I saved out of interest.

This too is English Rogers and shows the contrast between the two blues .............

[IMG]http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb77/nutbox/7c44_11.jpg[/IMG]

I have seen Strafford by Besson in that lighter blue as well.

If there is a serial in that snare I would expect it to be in the range 68*** to 80***.

That's me out on a limb!

hi Nutbox..thanks for such an informative reply mate..definately a possibility and good to see both the contrasting wraps. Should be delivered tomorrow so will check for serial numbers.. thought it may have been late 50's

thanks mate..that drew me to the drum when i first come accross it..real eye catching Eye Ball

Unfortunately they don't all have numbers, so fingers crossed.

The only one I have seen in that light blue, other than yours was a Stratford. All of the Ajax I have seen in blue pearl were the dark one. I think there is a video of Clive Bunker, playing one or two in his mix up kit , with Jethro Tull.

thanks Phil,,haven't seen one before mate..still think possible late 50's??

Nutbox..unfortunately no serial number mate..

just found this on the Vintage Drum Guide...

http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/ajax_snare.html#

possibly the bottom one...1960..what do you all think??

That one is the darker blue pearl. Interesting that it says " oak shell". That would make it a very uncommon shell, if it is true.

Since your drum has a vent grommet ,it did not carry the oval badge, which was fitted without the grommet, so it would make the drum ---early 60's at the earliest. I would think Nutbox is on the mark regarding the brand it carried and the dating----probably had one of those cast white metal badges fitted with two pins driven right through the shell.

Ahh, yes two small holes 1 & 3/4 inches apart.

I agree oak would be unlikely. The shells at this date are mainly birch with a few in beech. You can also get a beech shell and birch rings or visa versa. People talk about oak and ash but I've never seen anything that looked like that, although I have read that they used those much earlier.

thanks Nutbox, Calfskin and all for the information on my new snare..much appreciated and it looks even better in the flesh than the photo. The chrome has come up fab..so pleased all round