A few photos:

Nice, those look like walnut stain.

As to the little bolts I have seen a lot of them oxidize so I don't think you have to replace, but if you really want to I think you just have to find new ones at a hardware store that match the size and should fit.

I have heard guitar polish is good on outside finishes but never tried it.

I have also seen slight separation on rings and they usually glue back fine from what I have seen. ( I have glued one once on a snare drum and it is still holding)

The finish on those might be Thermogloss and is quite the procedure back in the day which I think they heated up the lacquer.

I would leave the finish alone myself because it adds to it's history.

Just my 2 cents.

Wayne

Those look stunning. I wouldn't fool around with them much. Doesn't look like they need it.

Soak bolts and washers in white vinegar for 24 hours...Then, use an old toothbrush to give them a good scrub...Rinse them with clean water after...

I`d leave the rest alone like the others stated...

Cheers

To remove the wide long rub mark you can use 2000 grit sand paper wet in alcohol. (Do little section first just to see how it reacts)

The finish is Thermogloss which is heated lacquer. Ludwig found out that by heating the lacquer just before application the finish would come out very shiny with very little hand polish. the rub mark is scratched lacquer and you can also try to remove it by using car polish.

HAVE FUN !!!

Thank you for your responses. The workmanship that went into these is quite nice. Although it does not appear that Ludwig hand picked wood grains for superior appearance- like guitar manufacturers do.

I like the 3 ply with reinforcing rims, durability of the chrome parts, and mufflers. Much to my surprise the floor tom came with 2 original head mufflers, one at top and one at bottom head. And the 3 floor tom legs are arranged with 2 at 90 degrees, and the 3rd at 135 degrees spacing around the drum; and centered symmetrical with the Ludwig badge plate at the widest spacing. I am quite certain that a full set of any kind of vintage natural wood would be tough to obtain.

I played drums for some time before I knew the wood grain finish was available- upon seeing a photo of John Bonham in early Led Zeppelin, and later Corky Laing of Mountain, and Carmine Appice with Cactus.

As I remember the thermogloss was heated laquer and sprayed on (no Brush marks)

On the lug casings and screws,I would remove a couple of casings and inspect.

I have owned 4 Ludwig kits from 60's 70's 80's and outfitted a Custom kit with Luddy Lug casings,so I have dealt with 270 plus casings and never had one fail,some of the casings I bought were close to new,never had a cracked tube that the screw goes into, some had the short brass inserts which put them 60's latest.Since those toms look to be in good shape and if the casings are not rusted/roached you are probably in good shape,just clean and dry them properly.

Craig - Great find, enjoy them. Are these date-stamped 69 and 70? What are the serial numbers?

As copied from my blog entry under "Ludwig in September Early October 1970" here is what I entered for the serial numbers: All are 3 ply mahogany lacquer finish with maple interior and reinforcing rings and b/o badges: 9x13 s/n 805064, 13x13 s/n 805082, 16x18 date stamp Aug 11,1970 s/n 797755. (The seller stated "1969" but there is conjecture pertaining to how Ludwig used their serial numbers at the factory- not necessarily in order.)

It has been stated to me by a few experts that these are "walnut" finish, but what might you say? I was not aware that Ludwig ever sold a "walnut" natural grain wood finish, but I'm willing to learn.