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Gretsch Marked U.S. Military Snare Last viewed: 2 hours ago

Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

I just picked up a Gretsch snare and I have a couple questions.

It's an 8 lug 14" drum with natural finish. The seller said it was 5", but it looks taller in the pictures. It has natural interior and looks like a 3 ply shell. The strainer is the Renown 4 point type with the long arm, but there are two additional holes behind the strainer. I am guessing the original was replaced with a newer Gretsch style strainer with different mounting hole.

It also has "U.S." stenciled just above the Gretsch round badge. I remember seeing a recent thread about another drum that had the same stencil, but I can't find it. It was thought to have been used in some branch of the U.S. military. If true, imagine the stories this drum might be able to tell. Think about all of the clubs, advancement ceremonies and patriotic scores this drum has accompanied and where it has traveled? Talk about mojo!

Any guesses on a date for this drum? I haven't received it yet, but I'm guessing early 50's.

-Tim

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

It is an Army issued drum.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 180 Threads: 38

I know we're there's a WMP gretsch floor Tom with that stencil. I wondered were all it had been.

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 2264 Threads: 83

Does anyone know if Gretsch was the "preferred drum maker of the United States military"? Lol. Endorsed by the Feds....

The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. - Joyce Meyer
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

From vintagemore2000

It is an Army issued drum.

Thanks. I can't wait to hear this drum. It's going to be paired with my orphan 50's 3 ply bass drum. I've read a couple posts that members have had good results with a Remo Fyberskin on the batter. I think I'll give it a try.

-Tim

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 127 Threads: 44

Nice drum. I played for six years in the several Army Bands

in the 70's but never saw a Gov. Issue drum. I think we had mostly Ludwig.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 1955 Threads: 68

Interesting drum. I've never seen a concert snare with the U.S. stencil; only parade snares. This could have been purchased for an Army concert band.

Eight lugs with clips on a single flange hoop? I think this early '50s model might be it:

[Attachment: 61931]

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-No Guru... still learning more every day-
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

From mchair303

Interesting drum. I've never seen a concert snare with the U.S. stencil; only parade snares. This could have been purchased for an Army concert band.Eight lugs with clips on a single flange hoop? I think this early '50s model might be it:[Attachment: 61931]

That's what I was thinking too.

When did Gretsch change from the Rocket to Streamline lug?

Other than the 4 point Renown strainer with equally spaced mounting holes, did Gretsch use a different 4 point strainer with a different hole pattern or a 2 point strainer? This might help narrow down a date or time frame.

Of course, I could wait until I receive the drum to see if there is a date stamp in the inside of the shell. ;)

-Tim

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

I received the drum today and there isn't a date stamp on the inside. The shell is 6" tall and the interior is natural and does not have a clear coating. If it's a 6 ply shell, why didn't it get the Silver Sealer in the inside? There is also a thin cut line on the inside of the shell that runs from top to bottom. The RB grommet looks original and unaltered too. It also looks like a 6 ply shell (light/dark/light/dark/light/possibly Mahogany). There isn't a muffler or holes drilled into the shell. Not sure what drum model used a 6" tall shell, because I couldn't find anything in a couple of the catalogs I searched. The Renown is listed as 5 1/2" tall.

There are three additional holes on the strainer side that form a triangle pattern (one on top/two on the bottom) similar to what the Micro Sensitive strainer uses. There is also a slight indentation in the shell that looks like a trapezoid, which is probably from the other strainer. Anyone have an idea what brand/type of strainer would make this type of mark?

Aside from the additional holes, I'm very pleased with this drum and can't wait to get it cleaned up.

-Tim

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Here is an awesome WFL Us army drum. sweet !!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/300973196453?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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