Not likely from anytime prior to 1977(ish). Also not black panther if it isn't the tolex type of fabric wrap. Either black lacquer or black cortex (Formica type wrap). Sizes would lead me to believe these are later than 77, more like 79-81. B/O badges would be from sometime prior to 1984 . Are they rounded or sharp cornered?

I'd say his memory of the purchase date is probably around a decade off.

Yes, isn't that a modular mount plate (triangular) we see inside the small tom? If so, early 80s purchase, not early 70s.

rounded badges ...no Serial Numbers on badges...

yes, they were repainted so the 'Panther' finish was also a mistake...

The grommet on that badge looks a little too big, but it's hard to tell since the photo is out of focus. Not having a serial number is odd for round badges. They might be reproduction badges.

Zach I think you are right.,... looking at my WMP the grommets are a bit smaller

Couldn't see the pictures that well on my phone but rounded corner badges plus power sizes plus modular hardware makes it almost certainly from sometime between late 1980 and early 1984.

Plus I believe the bass drum badges still faced the player at that time and those aren't Ludwig claws showing in the picture.

Definitely not 1970 Ludwig and looks like there's some funny business going on besides the mis-recollected date.

KO he just replied that they ARE repro badges... i paid him 350 for the 3 drums... now I have to debate whether to return them or just keep them for one of the harder hitting guys here at the studio...I presume the 6ply are going to respond better to being beaten severely...lol To everyone that replied THANK YOU...

Here is a reply from the guy claiming these are 1970 I tell ya I am SCRATCHING MY HEAD HERE FOLKS

""""I don't have to rely on my memory for the date...I have pictures with them on my 5th birthday. Other than the serial numbers, the repro badges are exactly the same as the originals (the guy I got them from--the guy that wants the set--worked for Ludwig in Monroe, NC for "many years", as he says, and moved out here to work at DW--I met him on a plant tour of DW in Oxnard about 5-6 years ago).""""

Well he must have had a time machine...or he's very bad at math.