If the black oyster snare is in good, original condition, you could sell it for much more than $300. (Now that 8 lug jazz fests in BOP get up to 2K, collectors are willing to "settle" for a 6 lug model; I'm guessing it would get $600-800 on ebay). If the seller is a relatively experienced dealer or knows a bit about vintage stuff, selling the snare for that price is somewhat suspect.

SUNDAY UPDATE:

THANKS TO ALL again for the great feedback. It's greatly appreciated.

The current owner of the Rogers snare I was considering refuses to send me any "clearer" pictures, so I've kind of eliminated that particular drum for now. The Ludwig Vistalite's still out there for my consideration.

I got a chance today to get out and take a look at the Ludwig OBP snare. The gentleman who's offering it was kind enough to open his store for me so that I could see it "up close." He runs what I guess you would call a pawn shop although I've never seen so much drum equipment (non-Japanese!) in any pawn shop that I've ever seen.

ANYWAY........... he explained that he used to be a Ludwig endorser in the 70s and that he'll be closing down his shop within the next couple of weeks, since he's moving from Meeeeeeeechigan to sunny California. He said he's trying to sell some of his stuff locally and the rest he'll probably be listing on the net globally.

He brought out the OBP snare, along with a Ludwig Red Sparkle Keystone and a Ludwig Blue Sparkle Keystone. All were 6-luggers and all appeared to be in excellent shape, cosmetically. However, when I took a close look at the OBP snare, I realized that it was an Oyster BLUE Pearl finish, not an Oyster BLACK Pearl, as he had advertised. He appeared sincerely surprised when I pointed this out. I was surprised that a self-proclaimed former "Ludwig endorser" wouldn't know this, but........? I must admit that the two finishes ARE, in fact, quite similar in appearance. Nevertheless, the attraction to the Oyster BLACK pearl finish is obviously the "Ringo factor."

ANYWAY............ as I stated above, the drum was in EXCELLENT condition. The wrap had minimal to no fade at all and the lugs didn't show any pitting or scuffing whatsoever. Everything was original on it other than the snare wires, which were made in Taiwan. It was a very sound drum, both cosmetically and functionally, but is it worth $300.00? ALL COMMENTS ARE WELCOME!

While I was there, the gentleman also showed me a vintage Beverley Kit in a flat out GORGEOUS finish that appeared to be a combination silver/champagne sparkle. I've never seen one like it. I believe the kit was from the late 50s - early 60s. It consisted of a 22 inch bass drum, 8 x 12 rack tom and 14 x 5 1/2 snare drum. All in the same finish. Cosmetically it looked IMMACULATE. The shells and reinforcement rings were also in excellent shape. Included were the original tom mount, bass drum spurs and cymbal mount and rod. It really had a great vintage look to it! However, I know absolutely NOTHING about Beverley Kits. I asked if he was selling it and he said that he would be asking $500.00 for the entire kit. Anyone out there know if these are worth anything? It really was in BEAUTIFUL condition and I don't see many (or any!) of these around here ---- especially in the shape this one's in. Should I consider this kit as a possible purchase in lieu of the Ludwig snare?

Just wondering out loud (again)!

THANKS AGAIN for all the help.

Where is the "pawn shop" located in Michigan?

Come on now "Super B". You know that a "fisherman" never gives out the location of his favorite "fishing hole"!

That's funny, I can't buy anything, anyway, I'm broke. I live in Michigan and I was curious. If you have a change of heart, a private message with the coordinates of the secret pawnshop would be cool.

I remember this sign that used to hang above the entrance of an antique store...

"The best time to buy an antique is when you see it!"

Many times I passed on something only to come back and it was gone...

David