This in from the experts:

The drum from all accounts seems to be factory from all the detailed photos I sent out.

Gretsch did a lot of experimenting with shells in the 40's and 50's.

I've been told this may be one of a very few (a prototype?) 40's 6ply drums.

There is some shell damage at the bearing edges in a few places. Ray Ayotte is helping me with that. Thank you Ray!

It appears I have a nice little project on my hands.

Did Gretch have steam ovens in the mid 40`s ?

Gary, this is a new one to me, very cool drum though.

I don't know.............maybe.

Why do you ask?

thanks,

Gary

I was thinking that if they didn't , that may be why it is delaminating. Form methods can have clamping issues and poor glue coverage if the worker is haveing a bad day ! I

Also I have never heard of a 6 ply in the fourties ! I H

Just received some more info on my drum:

"Shells were either bent using either a wet or dry process...the wraps were glued on a fabric glued to the shells. Then burlap was stretched around the shell. The burlap had wood on each end..the two wooden sections were clamped together to uniformly squeeze out air...and set up drying. Later the seam was glued down and clamped"

The above seems to be what I see regarding the cloth and burlap.

Check it out in the photo.

Also - it looks like someone has cut down the wrap....probably to help the head fit better. You can also see what appear to be blade marks to the right of the wrap seam joint. As we know, some of the heads fit tight on old Gretsch shells....and this one does. I noticed that the head fits a little better on this end that it does on the other. But asided from what may be 'after market' chopping and cutting...the wrap appears to be factory.

Gary the fabric is cheesecloth, Gretsch used this during this time frame.

Mark - thanks - yes, I got a message from Harry Cangany regarding that.