Is that an aluminum shell? If so these were sold as student kits. Gretsch's answer to the Ludwig Acrolite and available in 6 and 8 lug models.

Might be a 4104 Dixieland?

Maybe the guy writing on the tag switched the numbers?

4140 appears to be a legitimate model number for a brushed aluminum 6 lug snare with Renown throw from the mid-1970s. I have another similar snare on my list with the 4140 model number. It is serial number 57058. Based upon serial number and badge, your drum is from 1975/76 time period.

Model number 4140 was one of the only ones that Gretsch used for different styles of drums. That same model number was used for 8x12 toms with tacked on resonant heads through at least the 1960s. I have four 8x12 toms on my list with that description. I suspect the demand for toms with tacked on heads dropped off a bit and the model number was given to this style of snare.

Thanks for the great info, y'all.

Interestingly, when I took the batter head off, I saw that someone had rather crudely filed some shallow snare beds in the batter side bearing edge, directly above the factory ones on the snare side edge. Why would someone do such a thing?!?

I think I'll clean it up, put it back together with the original equipment and keep it as a nostalgic piece, rather than making a player of it. Between my '70 Premier 2000 and '66 LM400, my aluminum shell needs are being met.

Thanks again...y'all rock!

That's the way to find them! Enjoy.

Sweet find! They're still out there, you just have to keep looking. Congrats!

Nice score!! It`s great to hear about super finds like this!!

Cheers

Cool find.