There's a Leedy Black Elite on the 'bay right now. Body's got to have been re-plated, right? But what about the knobby gold hardware? Looks to be in good shape but does the rehab work decrease the value of this otherwise pretty original and intact drum?
Item number is 221799643047 and starting bid is $1,000.
No pix, but the last Leedy Black Elite auction I followed that closed was back in May of '14, and the price was a little over $700--and from a music store. Total of $750 with shipping.
I thinkn it must be replated. Not considering the condition necessarily, but the face that the black plating covers the engraving. I have a 4x14 model in similar (slightly better) original condition. See link below. Bottom right snare. You can still see the brass through the engraving.
No surprise it didn't sell. Re-listed with the same price and no better documentation or pix, so I don't expect a different outcome this time around.
I wonder how hard it would be to scratch off the plating to re-expose the engraving? Seems like a steady hand, a dentist's tool, and a fair amount of patience could yield good results.
interesting.. i emailed the seller to give him more information about the drum, in addition to the replating info.. doesn't seem to care to share that information in the new listing.
It ran a second cycle at $1,00 and closed with no bids. Now it's dropped to a starting price of $900.
my studies have been into finding the nobby gold (aka lacquer and bronzing powders )to match and I believe I can duplicate the process as it's a finish that's is still done today it is quite a few colors to choose from but I think I have found it so if I still had my black lite it could try it.... But it is very easy once the right hue is found
