wow, what a gorgeous drum!

I'd be careful polishing it with anything abrasive, as you pointed out the nickle is already thin in spots.

I have the same thing on an 1890's Duplex, I figured it earned that wear and Im gonna let it be.

A drum made in the anniversary year will have lugs with no inserts. The lug itself is threaded. There is usually a date stamp on the inside of the shell. Month and year. The city on the badge should be Chicago, not Elkhart.

An actual "Silver Anniversary" drum would be engraved. There are about 5 known to exist. Your drum would be a Standard model, made in the year of the silver anniversary. Nice drum!

Yes the lugs have no inserts and the lug itself is threaded. It has the hex bead, but obviously not engraved. Are you saying the entire shell is engraved? Oh and the badge on my drum does say Chicago but it is my understanding that they were already in Elkhart. I will look again, but a quick glance did not reveal a stamped date.

I have come across quite a few photos of drums like mine since trying to decide what I have, and they all say that they are Silver Anniversary models. I've not come across any like what you're describing (engraved) but I would love to see one. I've seen many photos of identical drums owned by prominent collectors (in nicer condition) and they call this drum a Silver Anniversary. Here is a page from a Ludwig catalog and this drum is not engraved, but perhaps your referring to a small area on the shell that says Silver anniversary? Ludwig refers to this drum as "Silver Anniversary" standard model.

Thanks!

Nice drum! I love the finish. It took that drum 70+ years to achieve that finish. It would be a shame to polish it away. Might loose the mojo.

I agree wholeheartedly! With the exception of soaking and then lubricating the tension rods, its staying just as is. However I can't stop playing it, so that will have to wait until I can for 24+ hours.

[QUOTE=Sanityclause;233503]Yes the lugs have no inserts and the lug itself is threaded. It has the hex bead, but obviously not engraved. Are you saying the entire shell is engraved? Oh and the badge on my drum does say Chicago but it is my understanding that they were already in Elkhart. I will look again, but a quick glance did not reveal a stamped date.

I have come across quite a few photos of drums like mine since trying to decide what I have, and they all say that they are Silver Anniversary models. I've not come across any like what you're describing (engraved) but I would love to see one. I've seen many photos of identical drums owned by prominent collectors (in nicer condition) and they call this drum a Silver Anniversary. Here is a page from a Ludwig catalog and this drum is not engraved, but perhaps your referring to a small area on the shell that says Silver anniversary? Ludwig refers to this drum as "Silver Anniversary" standard model.

You're correct, I'm wrong. I thought the Black Beauties from that year were the only drums called "Anniversary Model". Mike C has pics in his book.

Are the Anniversary drums made in 1934?

So you did replace the heads I assume? Just curious as to what heads you have on there now...

That is a beautifull snare , i bet that it project sound that would be hard to beat . I'm with you leave the snare as is , it look's bad @$$ Cool1 i wish it were mine

Nope, left the heads on. Top is a really old coated small logo Remo Ambassador batter, and the snare bottom is a small logo Remo Amb snare with a small hole in it! The thing sounds great as is. If it aint broke (and sometimes even when it is ) don't fix it.

The Silver Anniversary models are 1936 only. First year for the Imperial lugs. The following year, the "Professional" strainer was changed to a three point standard style. A lot of people refer to later versions as Silver Anniversary models but that's not correct. Engraving and black gun-metal finish ("deluxe") has no bearing on the name. That was just an option and very few exist. I have never seen a date stamp inside one. They are really great drums.

[IMG]http://www.coopersvintagedrums.com/silver_anniversary6656.jpg[/IMG]