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Value my Black Beauty

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Hello!

My father owned a wide variety of instruments including this really cool snare drum. I've done enough research to know it's valuable, but I can't really narrow it down to what a sale ad for it should say or what I should value it at.

I've figured it is a Ludwig Black Beauty from the 20s or 30s. Haven't found a serial number anywhere.

Can you help me find the value, date and perhaps the name for the pattern on the side?

This front photo includes the extent of the rust. I've uploaded more photos to an imgur gallery.

Thanks so much! I do hate to see it go, it sounds amazing.

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Posted on 6 years ago
#1
Posts: 617 Threads: 7
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The drum appears to be a 1920's 6.5x14 eight lug scroll pattern Black Beauty.

The strainer has been replaced with a later 1920's throw off, which is missing parts.

There's at least one extra hole I see (kinda big too!).

The drum shows a lot of wear.

This size drum is scarce and I'd bet it plays just great!

I'd value it at 1750-2250 US$. It's what collectors call a "player drum" because of it's condition.

To be certain of the depth of the shell you can take a head off and measure the shell from top to bottom, it's difficult to tell the depth from the pics I've seen.

Posted on 6 years ago
#2
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Nice instrument - don't see very many of these!

thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 6 years ago
#3
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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While I don`t see the extra hole Bun sees, I do see some over tightening to the T-rods. It`s a Ludwig De Luxe finish engraved and pre dates the BB. Like Bun said, the throw is skewed. You get a deep one in great shape, some will kill for it. Everybody calls them Black Beauties though.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 6 years ago
#4
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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If Mike Curotto sees it, he`ll be accurate with a pricing too.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 6 years ago
#5
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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The drum appears to be a 1920's 6.5x14 eight lug scroll pattern Black Beauty. The strainer has been replaced with a later 1920's throw off, which is missing parts. There's at least one extra hole I see (kinda big too!). The drum shows a lot of wear. This size drum is scarce and I'd bet it plays just great! I'd value it at 1750-2250 US$. It's what collectors call a "player drum" because of it's condition.To be certain of the depth of the shell you can take a head off and measure the shell from top to bottom, it's difficult to tell the depth from the pics I've seen.

I`ll say 6 1/2 like you because it looks as deep as my 506.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 6 years ago
#6
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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That Weather King Black Dot head has been played and played hard. But your drum should have skins.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 6 years ago
#7
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From OddBall

While I don`t see the extra hole Bun sees, I do see some over tightening to the T-rods. It`s a Ludwig De Luxe finish engraved and pre dates the BB. Like Bun said, the throw is skewed. You get a deep one in great shape, some will kill for it. Everybody calls them Black Beauties though.

I noticed there were a couple of visible holes in one of the other pictures at his link. Could they have been for a calfskin head heating element?

thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 6 years ago
#8
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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OK I found them and no, I don`t think lamp because the drum literally had an ole fashioned lamp to do the job. Scroll pattern is very first of these.

Whatever that was, moved around and left footprints and rub mark on the bead. Maybe a hip brace ? It`s in the right spot in relation to the throw.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 6 years ago
#9
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Interesting drum that I know is a great playing drum. (It looks like someone enjoyed playing the heck out of that drum due to the wear.) So, am I seeing a total of 3 extra holes? Looks like two smaller holes to the left of the larger hole, one above the bead and one below in what looks like tape residue. I would guess a heating element of some type with the larger hole being for a power cord.

I agree with OddBall in that it appears to have an earlier, more sparse engraving, so would guesstimate an early to mid 20’s drum. I attached a thumbnail of the same drum, but probably a bit later with a busier scroll pattern.

So how does one determine the value on that drum? Given the condition, the extra holes and incorrect strainer, what would you actually pay for the drum? I tend to agree with Bun’s valuation. I would play that drum just the way it sits as the issues are all part of the drum’s history and mojo. I would be inclined to pay the lower end at around $1750.

Posted on 6 years ago
#10
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