Hi,
I picked up this 5x15, 8 lug, ludwig snare (pictures attached). From what I can gather, it's from the early 1920's. If it's really 80+ years old it's in great shape. Looks like a single ply with huge re-rings. There is no date stamp on the shell. I haven't seen a snare like this before - but I haven't been looking that long. Any idea what it's worth? Is this really from the 20's?
Thanks,
Bob
Yes, that's a mid '20s Ludwig and Ludwig. THe shell is solid a maple. Most likely that's a re-finish...it was probably originally a blue and silver or white lacquer finish...it may have been wrapped. The throw-off is original, and I don't see any mods or extra holes. Those drums make great players...all the modern custom type shops are replicating those early tube lug drums. If it was a 14" and had the original finish, it would be worth $600-1000. Take off 20% for it being a 15" and a couple hundred for the re-finish...so figure it's $250-500 drum. Very nice piece.
Thanks for the reply.
I can't tell if it's been refinished. If it was, they did a great job (or did it a long time ago). I wonder what it would look like with a whitewash. Would I be better off trying to replicate the original finish? Or throwing some briwax on it and giving it a little shine?
If you like the way it looks (I do), I'd just leave the finish as is...wax it or clean it. Original finishes of the time would have been a dark, mahogany, black lacquer, white lacquer or two tone lacquers...blue / silver was the most common. If you leave it alone, you can't mess it up!
