Hi,

I'm certainly not an expert, but I can tell you that in general, Camco kits are pretty scarce. Just check eBay to see how few are being auctioned. There's a member named dolfan (Steve) that is quite knowledgable, hopefully he'll chime in here.

Michael

Welcome to the forum! I have 2, 1960s Aristocrat sets (6ply Jasper Era Oaklawns) that are both in Walnut Stain. I might be willing to sell one if the price was right. The 1st is a 14x22, 8x12, 16x16, and the 2nd one is a 14x24, 9x13, 10x14, 16x16". Both have the factory original bearing edges and Factory Walnut Stain finishes. I also have 2 L.A. era sets that are in the 14x24, 8x12, 9x13, 16x16, & 16x18" configurations, but the L.A. era sets are not for sale at any price. I made that mistake once already...

I know of two walnut kits for sale. One is an 18/12/14 which is probably in the $10K price range because of the 18" bass drum. The other is 20/12/14 which is probably in the $3500 price range. The 20" kit you would have to get in line for because I'm currently working with another forum member on that one. If he passes on it I will be more than happy to help you with it. Both kits are early 60's 4ply Oaklawn kits w/ COB hoops. One of them is so early it has George Way T-handles on the bass drum. That was before Camco started making their own so probably late 1961 to early 1962. They are both clean with no extra holes.

Don't let these high price quotes put you off, the last Walnut Camco to show up on eBAY sold for $1925.00...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290532488321&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

If you keep an eye on Camco set auctions you'll find that sellers are not getting their asking prices. Although there are lots of folks who want Camco, there are fewer willing to pay top dollar.

FYI

That was from Feb.2011 though....

Correct, the last Walnut to show up. I've been watching prices for all style Camco sets the past two years in order to establish a realistic value for mine, which I traded this year ( Thanks Again, Steve!) for an Old Stamp K. Zildjian.

Here's a recent example of how these drums have been selling:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1960s-CAMCO-OAKLAWN-ILLINOIS-GOLD-SPARKLE-DRUM-SET-HARDWARE-/170902508132?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item27ca955264#ht_6244wt_1428

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1960s-CAMCO-OAKLAWN-ILLINOIS-GOLD-SPARKLE-DRUM-SET-HARDWARE-/170907460881?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item27cae0e511#ht_6244wt_1428

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1960s-CAMCO-OAKLAWN-ILLINOIS-GOLD-SPARKLE-DRUM-SET-HARDWARE-/170907465684?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item27cae0f7d4#ht_6244wt_1428

Well Put! Not only the sets/kits, but up to 80% or more of everything Camco has been priced unrealistically, and we constantly see the same items week after week. Still up for sale...I have no idea what these sellers are thinking but consumers aren't stupid. Some may be desperate though, and unwilling to wait patiently...Some of the prices are, and have been so high they are just plain humorous.

I sold my Oaklawn 20/12/14 w/5x14 in BDP for $4100 two years ago! Not bad for a kit that only had COB hoops on the snare and missing the original floor tom legs. IMO walnut doesn't grab you like natural maple or a sparkle color. It comes across as a boring finish to most. The other kit Orangemi posted is for a Tuxedo kit which won't grab big bucks as it's the "Clubdates" of Camco.

I personally think the Walnut Stain finish is really nice and not quite as bland as the natural maple and both are better than any wrapped in plastic... Speaking of Walnut Stain, Do you still have your Walnut set? ( 24,14,18") Since you don't care for either one of the 6ply era's and prefer the 3 and 4ply shells. Also since I play the larger sizes and prefer the 6ply era's only. Would you be willing to sell them? That is if you still have them and how much would it take for you to sell them. I know the 18 is extremely rare as most of them have been cut down and turned into bass drums.