Hi,
Some time ago I was fortunate enough to purchase a vintage Slingerland Radio King Kit in Black Diamond Pearl. The kit consisted of a tacked-down rack tom, floor tom with basket, and Radio King snare drum with the aluminum cloud badge (1st edition). Included with the kit was a 1961 Slingerland BDP 20 inch bass drum which obviously was from a later era than the other three pieces. I happened to have a BDP Leedy 28 inch bass drum that I've put together with the three BDP Radio King pieces and it works quite well.
Now I'm considering selling the 20 inch Slingerland bass drum, which is in immaculate condition. However, I've got some questions that I'm hoping you Slingerland experts can help me with. The drum is a "virgin", measures 20 x 14, has the Slingerland Niles Black & Brass Badge (no serial number), and is date stamped "P APR 61" on the interior of the shell. I believe that the shell is 3-ply mahogany-poplar-mahogany with 1 3/8" reinforcing rings. Mounted on the shell are 16 single-ended large streamlined lugs. The 16 t-handles are the "torpedo style" and the claws are those commonly seen on late 50s - early 60s Slingerlands. The BDP pearl finish is "stunning" and has probably aged somewhat to a darker shade with a bit more of a black on black character, which I've read is quite common for Slingerland's BDP pearl finish between 1956-1964. The drum came with its original Slingerland logo calfskin heads and wooden hoops with BDP in-lays.
NOW.............HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS:
1. Was it common for the Slingerland bass drums from 1961 to come with the combination of large streamlined lugs & "torpedo style" t-handles? I haven't seen too many (if any!) with this combination.
2. If I do decide to sell this drum, would it be advisable to sell it "whole" or to piece it out?
3. Any idea what a drum of this vintage, in this finish and this condition might bring? I realize that "Slingys" don't seem to bring in as much as Ludwigs, Rogers & Gretsch drums for whatever reason but I must admit that this particular drum is in incredible shape for being 47 years old.
As usual, thanks in advance for your help!
I've attempted to add a pic or pics of the drum. Hopefully, it's up!