He just sent more pics.

Seems rare to me. I've never seen a double date stamp on the inside of a shell before.

I'd put value at $2,000 Mind Blowi :)

The stamps are from the local shop that sold it; from the initial sale, and then repair/replacement of the throw.

Just talked to my friend and got more of the background on it.

My friend brought it to Joe Chila at JC custom drums because it had three broken lugs. All lugs were replaced with newer DW's.

JC knows the owner of the Drum Shop, now retired, and confirmed the history of it. The throw was one GW sent out to shops for warranty replacement.

There are no extra holes or other modifications, just replaced throw in '61 and lugs when my friend found it.

JC really wanted to buy it, but my friend wouldn't sell. Now he's selling off a lot of drum gear, only plays for fun once in a while and doesn't need much.

Just need to get an accurate value on it for him.

The Strainer is period correct. It`s called a "WayCo" Dependable and it went on outdoor marching drums. The double flange hoops are period correct, and I believe referred to as "tall boy".

Although not part of an Aristocrat trim, the throw could be ordered that way too. It`s original Geo Way trim.

I would reinstall the old lugs, including the broken one`s and call it period correct because it`s not original throw,.. and start it at $1,500 and not move down.

The Way (Pun intended) it is now, $600 tops.

$750 on the low side, $850 on the high side. Sweet GW snare in very desirable BDP. If you get a bidding war going it could go higher.

John

I looked and found an Aristocrat done by TDS the same year, it is a 6 1/2 x14 and it closed at 350 or so, and has drilling and I don`t see a lever. It sold about a month ago.

But this is a 5, the one you jazz guys find money for. 3 lugs and a throw it prime Aristocrat from George.

I agree it`s in fantastic shape.

George Way drums remain a relative unknown to most modern drummers unless they are into vintage drums. I think Way drums are among the finest musical instruments ever made in this country. They 'should' command a much higher price than they do. Just on rarity alone.

John

I forwarded the info I've gleaned here, and his response regarding reinstalling the old lugs is:

"I would just sell them with the drum. I have them but need to find them.

They are literally non functional. I think 2 are busted badly, 3 are cracked and 3 are starting to crack. The new DW set was 200. I'd still like to find a good strainer for it."