Hard to tell without pics. But, it could be an old stock shell, the p-85 blackface was around in the late 60's ( per ludwig book).

larry

I think 69 is generally when the transition began,but that dosen't apply to Standard snares,which still used the P-83,but with block (new) logo.

Steve B

Almost everything is possible with ludwig, so the stamped 1966 shell with a 1969 serialnumber could be well possible. Is the grommet tight?

As for the strainer, i would think somebody replaced the original P-83. Same hole-spacing, so not a real problem.

As larryvl stated, the p-85 blackface was around at that time, i have also owned a 1974 snare with p-83... Ludwig sometimes just used what they had left.....

Remember, the throw's are interchangeable as they all fit in the same holes

and the serial numbers are not always a true dating guide but a stamp date is pretty hard to argue with.

thanks one and all. i took the plunge. i'll have more info when the drum arrives. supposed to be mint condition with a black case that looks more like a briefcase than a drum case, so we'll see.