The drum looks legit to me. That era of Ludwig was often sloppy. I can't tell the size but I doubt it's 18 X 20. The edge...? Who knows? The re-ring width appears to be correct so I'd say if the edge is weird, then it's probably been sloppily cut. I've seen other pointy badged drums with horrible edges and they were totally legit from the factory. But I see the light reflecting at a different angle on the edge area, so it probably has an edge.

I can't be sure, but I'd say that's a legit drum and not a rewrap. The original Weathermaster head seems like it means the drum wasn't messed with too much -mainly the typical bottom head off style that was popular at the time. You do see the leg has a bend in it, right? I don't know how that could have happened, but I'd like to see the entire interior of that drum to make sure it didn't get dropped.

The pictures leave a lot to be desired, but I see no reason to think it's a re-wrap. A re-wrap in butcher block would be unlikely, given how unwieldy the cortex finishes are. I do think it's a 16x16, though. You'd likely be able to see the second seam in the second or fourth photo if it was an 18 or 20.

What, specifically, about the seam looks wrong to you when you say it doesn't line up? The pattern? That's definitely not something Ludwig was particular about.

Same question regarding the badge. I can see there are imperfections in the grommet, but not enough from those photos to suggest it's been removed.

I think it's 45, because I see a shine on it from the lighting inline with the shine on the shell. Like TEC said, not enough to show grommet damage but I see two inside circles and would guess it was. But it could be debris. Grommet's knurl outward. I think it was for that reason.

If you contact the people at goodwill, they will most likely measure the drum for you. I have found them to be very good about answering questions and have even sent me a picture when requested. It really depends on how busy they are when you call them.

Good luck on the auction.

I dunno if this helps, but here are two Ludwig 1976-vintage floor toms. Badge numbers are both 114xxxxx. 18” on left has good wrap match, but slightly irregular seam. 16” on right has slightly misaligned wrap, but straight seam. Regards, Marty Black

[Attachment: 128016]. Dang it. First photo loaded upside down. And I can’t figure out how to turn it around. It’s rightside up in my i-pad photo file, but uploads upside down into VDF. Stupid computers...

I'm gonna +1 with those who believe this drum to be unmolested. Badge is normal to look crooked, and to my eye, the drum seems to be an 18x16. 20" floor toms can look slightly shorter in most pics due to its larger width, but that's just what my eyes usually perceive when I see pics of 20" floor toms.

Cortex came in longer sheets than standard wrap so they could wrap an 18 or 20" drum with a single piece and just one seam.

I don't see anything hinky here.

Thanks for all the input guys.

The listing said the drum is 18.5" tall and 20.5 across it does not matter they will not ship the drum anyway...

Mikey777