The true Anniversary snares ('35-'36) did not have the inserts in the lugs and the tension rods threaded directly into the lug...These were the first generation of "Imperial" lugs.

many thanks 2manydrums...does anyone else have any infos that they can pass on to me please

..?

:confused:

1939 is right around the time when L&L (and other companies) stopped making solid shells so that is something for you to check...

Mike Curotto

Dave, Do you have the drum? Can you post better photos? The ones you posted are to dark to see..Here's a few things to look for see if the lugs have inserts or out,see if the shell is a one piece shell or ply..The grommet looks wrong to me it should not cover part of the Ludwig name is it a replaced grommet on the shell? Grommet should be a small brass one.The drum could be a re-painted shell if you can re-move one of the lugs and check the paint under it it should look newer than the paint on the shell.If it match's the paint on the shell it could be a painted drum...Mikey

Hi Mikey...

thanks for the info mate..

attatch 2 more photos, the grommet looks to be original as per the picture on the ludwig site mate..think maple shell...3902 stamped inside the shell..very low on knowledge for Ludwigs so hope this will help? Been told in uk could be 1938 model due to maple shell!!

What do you think and thanks??

:Santa:

Hi Mike..thanks for the information..

Hi Diamond,

Nicely aged shell. I see the drum has the "Standard" strainer which was introduced in 1939. Technically not an "Anniversary" snare you have there but a Ludwig & Ludwig "Standard" as the model was named in that era. See the link for the 1938 catalog page for "Standard" model.

http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/ludwig_snare_drum_catalog_pages.html

The Duco paint finish has held up well! Where did you find the drum?

Cheers!

-kellyj

Hi kellyj...thanks for the positive comments mate, really appreciate them. I bought the snare off e bay as a christmas present to myself from the wife ..she doesnt know yet!!! always been fond of the duco finish but this one is a bit different from the usual blue/silver... looked up the badge on the forum guide and it says: 1930's Ludwig & Ludwig White & Silver badge (also called Enamel badge) which is very encouraging.. do you know if they are common as cannot find any others on google etc..

thanks again for the info

:Santa:

These snares are reasonably common. I once found a true Anniversay snare (with the tapped Imperial lugs) covered in dust from an estate dealer and had the pleasure of restoring this drum. Your drum though with the nice Duco finish in that condition is above average. How are the metal surfaces in terms of corrosion? The nickel plating is a challenge to restore. Are you going to clean her up? I bet it will shine up pretty nicley with a gentle detailing!

I currently own a 1940 Ludwig Standard nickel over brass (see attached). The standard strainer at the time was quite an improvement over the previous incarnation. The self-aligning Imperial lugs had been around for three years in 1940 and were a huge improvement.

The difference between the 1940 and the 1938,39 models is the additional strainer "roller" portion below the Standard strainer and the snare hoop gate is extended below the level of the drum.

kellyj