If you look closely at the picture of my WMP 1957 stamped drum posted in an earlier response you'll see it has the same throw off as Zenstat draws attention to above. That is the throw I'd expect to see on the drum in question. My transition badge COB Super has this same throw off and a WFL stamped butt. So that infers that the newer version of the P-83 came out sometime after the transition badge debuted.

They mount on the same hole pattern so they are easy to swap out. The earlier version seems a bit troublesome so that could be the reason it was apparently replaced on the drum in question.

Okay. My WFL Deems (the Duco Gold on Black) has a P-83 with the mechanism sticking out and WFL on its base.

Its badge says:

WFL DRUMS

Ludwig Drum Co.

Chicago USA

So from the page linked, that badge was used '55-'59

More like 56-mid/late 58.

I've heard those older P83's referred to as "can opener" models; like K.O. said, same hole pattern as a newer P83, but different from the Classic strainer P87...marko

Update after a million years, see attached pics

more pictures,

What is the "correct" length tension rods for this drum?

Is the shell a tiny bit cracked? Or is this just how the plastic wrap is stuck to the drum?

pictures......

The "correct" length should be 1-5/8" from under the collar to the end of the threads.

No, the shell is not cracked! It was common practice for Ludwig the install the wrap between the plies at the overlap before the shell was formed.

-Mark

Thank you. Some of the tension rods are shorter than the others. I'm not sure if it's because the bottom hoop has been replaced.

I see a lot of polish still in the tension rod threads. You will want to get that removed before assembling the drum.