So, I have a 70's ish Slingerland Ribbed Aluminum Shell Snare that I've had stored in my closet ever since I purchased my (love it) Rogers chrome shell Dyna. But, since sometimes my kids and their friends mess around on my kit, I'm getting nervous that somebody is going to dent or scratch the Dyna...its in collectable condition, fully original w/snare bridge.

Anyway, so this aluminum snare looks a lot like the one you have in your hardware page near the bottom. It is an 8-lug version, has the original Rapid Strainer (3-hole bottom), original butt, original muffer (though never use it so not sure it still turns), orig hoops (not great) and I think I might have replaced the snare wires...but the ones on it weren't original anyway. The heads are both non-Slingerland.

In terms of condition, shell is very good, no scratches just dirty and the chrome (last I remember) was just dirty, not rusty or pitted. The badge is definitely Niles, but don't remember if it was a black/gold or black/silver, but I do remember it not having the extra curl in the "S" in Slingerland. It has a place for serial number, which I know was in the 40,000 range, either 46000 or 48000, just can't remember ( will clarify once I dig into my closet) :)

Whew, so that is the drum's background, so here are my questions:

- What is the approximate date of this drum?

- How do I clean the shell without messing it up...is it clear coated? I know the finish looks more like unpolished stainless, so want to make sure don't end up with shiney spots.

- If I decide I want to upgrade to a better Slingerland metal snare like a Krupa model, what do these snares generally go for on the market. Assume its a pretty good example.

Happy to be a member of this forum....Clapping Happy2

Thanks very much!