Does the badge have a serial number? Can't tell from the picture, but it looks similar to my 1961 10x14 marching snare, which has a Niles badge with no serial number. The shell is probably 3 ply mahogany, and if the re-rings are lighter color than the shell, they're probably maple. Also, the hoops might be brass...

Thank you. Good questions. Yes, the badge does have serial numbers though 39616 = 5. The investigation I've done via links to this forum present only 6 digit serial numbers. Wierd. The rerings and shell interior are identical in color.

Looks like it might be the "Deluxe Student Model ", and the earliest catalog picture that I can find with the serial number badge is 1965. Try to see if you can make out any more digits in the date stamp...it's 1960 something, I'm pretty sure.

I was also thinking Deluxe Student Model except that the catalog seems to show 8 lugs vs. my 6. I looked harder for the date stamp and beyond the 6 I cannot make anything out. Thank you.

Hi ssoccer!

As mentioned, this is the Deluxe Student snare drum, which would have a 3-ply shell with solid maple rings. During this time period, the only snare drums with a 1pc maple shell would be the Artist and Radio King, and even those drums often had the 3-ply shell.

-Mark

+1 with idrum4fun. The presence of a date stamp and "M" stamp preclude this drum from being a 1 ply shell. The "M" designates the outer ply of a 3-ply shell; in this case maple. 1-ply shells had no date stamps. Five digit serial is correct and is probably '63. By DEC. '63 the 3-ply shells had a clear maple interior ply also. Hoops should be COB. Nice looking drum.

You guys have been great, amazing knowledge out there. I spent $160 on this drum and hope i did all right. Very good condition inside and out. This purchase was to replicate the very first snare drum my parents bought me at age 10 or so, which would have put it right at 1963 as stated above.

That drum is mahogany, not maple.

That's a fair price, looks to be in good condition.

Walnut stained maple. Easy to confuse.