More George Way pics....

[Fibertech]

I just came across this at a flea market. I noticed you don't have any GWD represented in your fine site so I hope this helps fill a void. From what little info I could find in my research, this is a George Way Drums Inc. 6 lug 5.5 x 14 inch Aristocrat (?) snare drum made in Elkhart, Indiana. I do know that George Way Drums became Camco Drums in 1961 so this has to be prior to that. Wood shell is multi-color or Duco black and gold lacquer with inside of shell painted white. Vintage 1957-1961 (?) but no date stamp nor serial number is readily apparent. Drum is in very nice condition although I do not believe the heads and possibly the strainer to be original. Shell is solid and finish is nice with light checking of the lacquer which is normal for a 45 plus year old drum. Hardware is nice but needs a good cleaning. Lever for the throw off has been bent at one time and attempt to straighten has damage it but the rest of the mechanism works fine.

Any hazards at an approximate value? Please feel free to post these photos to your site for permanent reference archives. Have a good day, Fibertech.

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3E WSNRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C9375nu0mrj

George Way Drums Aristocrat (?) 5.5x14 snare

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3EWS NRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C9377nu0mrj

George Way Drums Strainer Butt

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3EWS NRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C9378nu0mrj

George Way snare inside

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3EWS NRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C9376nu0mrj

George Way Drums badge

[Fibertech]

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3EWS NRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C9379nu0mrj

George Way strainer throw off

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3E WSNRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C937%3Anu0mrj

George Way practice pad front

http://images1.snapfish.com/34738895%3B%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3264%3E297%3E%3B39%3E WSNRCG%3D323384%3B9%3C937%3Bnu0mrj

George Way prctice pad back

[Webmaster]

I have two George Way catalogs in my collection and this 6 lug drum was called the "Studio" Model.

Although the catalog shows the drum with single flange hoops and rim clips, I'm sure it had variations. I guess there is always the chance the hoops were changed, I have not seen enough George Way drums to make that determination.

The strainer looks correct, although slightly different then the catalogs I have for George Way, it does match the Camco strainers in my Camco catalog.

So It is correct and a very nice example of a George Way snare.

Price is tough since we do not see that many of these drums, even though two complete sets have recently sold on Ebay, one in black pearl and one in green sparkle. I guess any amount from $200 up is always possible even though it is a 6 lug model snare.

Thanks for the great pictures

Thanks
David

[Fibertech]

Just wondering, is it possible that it was actually made by Camco with a leftover George Way badge during the Camco takeover timeframe? Would that possibly account for hybrid hops and strainer, or would Camco have stopped using the GW badge all together? I suppose an old owner could have upgraded the hoops later for ease of maintenance and replaced the strainer with a Camco that was readily available where the George Way would not have been. Does being a six lug unit detract from desirability even on a rare piece like this?

[Rich K.]

It seems the most common George Way drums are the six lug student models. I've seen that model before with that strainer and those hoops. I suppose it's possible that Camco would have made that and useda Gwo. Way badge, but I can't imagine why...Apparantly there's a slight difference between the Way and Camco hoops, but they look the same to me. Way drums are very collectible, however duco, six lug drums are the easiest to find. I'd guess the drum would get $2-300. IF that pad says George Way on it, I think a Camco / Way collector would pay $25-100 for that, too.

[Fibertech]

Yes, the pad has a sticker on it that says Geo. Way Drums Inc. Elkhart, Indiana.

[sabshga]

Did you ever sell the drum?