Congrats on a great score of great drums.
Five ply keller maple shells.
Year of manufacture: 1977
Cracks: Hairlines are very common with this wrap. I have them as well.
Tom Post: Two Allen Hex set screws were used to secure the triple mount to the post. Two each drum key set screws were supplied for the tom arm positions, as well as two for the center position which originally would have had a white plastic cap. The cymbal holder tube in there now does not look to be Rogers, although if it works and you are happy with it, who cares. It might be more comfortable as a set up to turn that post mount around 180 degrees, and let the tom arms follow the same angle as the mount.
[IMG]http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/ThePloughman/Rogers%20Drums/Rogers%201983%20XP8%20Ebony/April272008006.jpg[/IMG]
Bass Drum Hoops: Either the silver tape inlay is missing or they are not original Rogers. However, they do look good. In 2001, I swapped out my original Rogers hoops, which were in very good condition, in favor of 2" Natural Maple hoops. I do think the solid black you have look excellent on the drums.
Sound... You are going to love these drums. They are rock solid and sound good. If you perchance do have some issues with the tom arms causing some choking, or even echoing and sound transfer when you smack the bass drum, a few cotton balls jammed into the hollow tom arm tube should do the trick. Moving the drums down slightly on the mount might help also.
I have two sets in this color, my original drumset, 1977 non catalogue Super Londoner V, which originally was a 24, 13, 14, with a 15 added, and an 18 floor tom. I have had those since 1979. They are now a 24, 13, 16, 18. My wraps have the same hairline issues, and perhaps someday, I will address that with a rewrap or possibly even a complete redo in matched color automotive paint. The other set is a standard Londoner V, XP8 drums.
Your set is indeed a Londoner V.
Congrats to you.
