Thanks mike,

Who knows why someone wants to write that that way. Any idea/speculation?

My ray Mckinley is also from the same time frame it also has the same muffler with the 1948-1952 badge this could have come from the original owner writing in the date when it was bought.

Yes indeed! I have a MINT 1949 Ray McKinley in WMP with the ALUMINUM WFL badge, and there is NO date stamp/inking of any kind. WFL/Ludwig wasn't doing that yet. This was done after the fact, and by hand as VM2000 as suggested. NICE drum regardless!

Tommyp

Thanks Tommyp, vintagemore2000 for the info. Very helpful!

The muffler is correct for that time period, as is the throw-off. It is for sure an old WFL drum from the 40's.

The hoops should be nickle over brass on this. My 1958 WFL snare has NOB hoops. This snare is 10 years older than mine, but I'm sure they were nickle plated brass hoops in those days too. Nice drum!

Hi Chromeo, I think the cob finish option was an extra in those days.

yes, ive got a several 48-52 wfl's with chrome hardware.

mike

They came in chrome or nickel mine is all chrome. my entire kit is chrome finish.

Yes indeed! CHROME was the upgrade/option during this period. "Most" of the drums built by WFL during this time frame were built with nickel hardware. I have a complete 1949/1950 WFL Buddy Rich Classic set in WMP with complete hardware, and in WMP of course! The set are BR's exact sizes:

14X24

9X13

16X16

16X16

5.5X14 BR Super Classic, as well as a 6.5X14 Ray McKinley

Hardware is ALL chrome as that is how the set was ordered at the time. Buddy did NOT play nickel hardware on any of his WFL sets/drums... and that isn't to say there is anything wrong with nickel! At the time, chrome was the upgrade at a little extra cost. I'll attach a pic of my set.

Tommyp