WFL snare weird shell construction

[poco rit.]

Hey yall! Im new too the forum. Been comin to this site for a while to look for answers to questions but I have a question that I couldn't find an answer for.

So I have a 1957 WFL Barrett Deems snare drum. I have 2 questions if any of you guys know whats goin on with this shell's construction. If you can see the pic that shows the interior, there's a little piece of wood that's tucked under the re-ring.

1) Can any one explain the reason why they would wedge a little piece of wood in between the re-ring like that?
2) What would the "14" marked in white have meant?

Another little quirk is that the snare beds don't quite align with the snare gates, but I know that that is not uncommon. But despite all this, the snare still sounds great! Very woody of course and surprisingly sensitive.

Also, is there any kind of grease or paste or something I can put around the threads of the strainer to make it NOT so easy to turn? The snare wires always become loose after not even that long of play time. And I feel like its because the strainer is just too easy to turn. Does that make sense? lol. Anyways, thanks for reading!

[poco rit.]

pic of the badge and strainer

[OddBall]

The wedge could simply be to stop a vibration or fill a void during gluing. The 14 is probably assembly or inspection related.

The wedge actually looks factory to me.

[poco rit.]

Very interesting. Im afraid to poke at it too hard but it does seem to be wedged in there pretty good. Thanks for the info!

[andlours]

On WFL and early Ludwig drums they wrote the diameter of the shell on the interior.

[poco rit.]

Wow. That makes perfect sense now. Thank you sir!

[idrum4fun]

Originally Posted by andlours

On WFL and early Ludwig drums they wrote the diameter of the shell on the interior.

I had a feeling that this might be the answer!

-Mark

[DRUMR69]

That strainer looks like it might of been hit and is bent in at the arm. That could be why it is loosening. Grease or lube would just make it more easier to turn I would think, so I wouldn't add that. Teflon tape on the threads might work.
Nice snare by the way.
Wayne

[poco rit.]

Teflon tape. Genius. Ill give that a try. And thanks! Its definitely got some mojo.

[Drum Doug]

Here's an example of typical WFL shell diameter markings.