I didbuy the set today and all I can say is OMG!! It a 5 ply shell of maple as the inner ply and they all appear to be sealed with a clear lacquer? The badges do say Niles, Illinois USA and appear to be silk screen rather than etched. Every drum has stick saver rims on them and both the 18" and 20" floor toms have 4 legs. The tom mounts on the toms have a big S with USA underneath it. This is one cool set. I've never seen toms this deep before. I'm thinking for the badges here on the site and serial number that this kit was from 1978?? one of the serial numbers is 562121. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all.