Hi,

Here’s the latest snare drum to enter into the collection. This drum was willed to me by a good friend who had passed away a few years ago. My friend’s wife was ready to sell some of his snare drums and she told me that her husband had specified that I was to be contacted in order to help her sell the drums. The drum in this article was originally found in “as is” condition in an antique store many years ago by my friend’s mother. The drum is in 100 % original factory condition.

1925-30 LEEDY 5 x 14 #704E BLACK ELITE MODEL (with no engraving)

The Shell:

The black nickel is in great shape, shows its age and only needed a simple cleaning. This is the same shell as the Leedy Black Elite Model, just not engraved.

The Hardware:

The Nobby Gold hardware is all there, in great shape and just needed a basic cleaning. I’ve always wondered why they trimmed gut, or in this case, silk-wound snares so “short” at the butt plate. Have you ever tried to attach gut or silk-wound snares that have been trimmed too short? Correct, a bit of a chore.

I’ve seen way less un-engraved Black Elites compared to engraved Black Elites. You would think the opposite wouldn’t you? The 1920s Leedy catalogs offered the option of an engraved shell for an extra $3.00. Interesting how $3.00 back in the 1920s made that much of a difference...or...maybe the original owner just wasn’t into engraved shells.

As always feel free to weigh in with your observations, comments and experiences.

Enjoy!

Mike Curotto