More pics of the shims just for kicks at this point.

As a lifelong woodworker, that top scarf joint is junk. I wont pretend it's not. I can't see the edge of the bottom one. Somebody didn't know what to do.

I didnt wanna take the heads off cuz i finally got the snare tuned to the sweet spot. But i think you solved the mystery as to why someone would do this. They just plum didnt know what they were doing. Maybe it was their first week on the job? Maybe they were hung over? Ill sleep better at night thinking that the crudeness gives the drum its tone.

I think this drum really drives home the point that guys back then didnt care about the shell construction. As long as it sparkles and has a Ludwig badge. What if Craviotto or Canopus or any other high end drum makers had shells that left the shop like this? What would the public say? Funny stuff to think about...

( don't fully agree with that 4th line).. majority of WFL drums of the time were/are/ works of art. That drum of yours is a bizarre oddity and never saw or heard anything like what was inside there.

Almost looks like "tool' or measurement device helper that was to have been taken out after the rings or something were centered.

It's a rare mistake.

(I have two WFL I would not trade either even for any Craviotto or Canopus

or even the impressive new DW Dyna- Sonic !!

https://www.drumforum.org/threads/dw-super-solid-maple-super-sonic-snare-drum.162484/

well a-maybe consider that last one

Dont get me wrong JDA. I love WFL! This will not stop me from buying more WFLs in the future. And this Barrett Deems still sounds really good and the chrome is quality as well as the wrap. When i said “They didnt know what they were doing”, i meant just that ONE guy who worked on my drum. And just repeating what Oddball said. I didnt mean “they” as in the whole WFL Drum Co. I have another late 40s WFL 6.5x14 concert snare drum thats perfect in every way and it is my favorite drum and my go to snare. I dont think I will ever part with my Barrett Deems snare and I am certain that I will never part with that concert snare. Im with you! :)

The scarf is all fractured and without the wedge, loose. You should have to look hard to see it. I can drive a truck through the separation. It's junk.

I saw it you'd have to be blind to not; Thank goodness it's only a 5 (or 5.5) would be a heartbreaker on a 6.5

Learn something new every day!

I have an old WFL snare shell I recently got that I believe is a Buddy Rich Super Classic 14x5.5 It looks like there has been a few strainers popped on it in it's time, lots of holes. Hope to maker a player.

It too has the "14" I thought it might be a Q&A inspectors number. Great info and pics folks!

The “shim” is at the seam where the plies overlap, just filling a void.

Guys, that re-ring does NOT look to be factory...The shell and everything else might be. Do you have a picture of the top of the ring/ shell?