Let me clarify. The shell is not bent inward. Say we took both heads off, if you lay it on a flat surface on the batter side it will lay flush with the surface/countertop/table. Now, if you flip it over and lay it on the snare side, there is a slight rise in the bearing edge where the snare bed is. This rise is uniform on both sides where the snare bed is and it is very subtle. Many shells, if you inspect the edge where the snare bed is, have some added upward curvature to accommodate the snare wires. The uniformity of these "bends" and the fact that a handful of my other snares has this leads me to believe that it is part of the design and not damage. The pictures I am providing are of the edge at the snare bed and the edge that runs between them for comparison. The other set of pictures shows the light shining underneath the hoop when its laid on a flat surface. I also provided some pictures with an ID card slid underneath the shell and the hoop to show the space that is there when they are laid flat. Again, the "bends" or "rises" are uniform on both sides. This is also the case with my 1930's ludwig universal and my 1970's gretsch though they are much less subtle and clearly designed that way. I'm just trying to figure this out so that I can swap for a good one while I still have the chance if need be. Again, thank you all very much for your input. I hope we can get to the bottom of this.

Continued...

and again...

But wait...theres more.

That is your snare beds. that is normal. your good to go.

Thats what I thought. Just wanted to make sure. Thanks for the help!

glad to help that is what we are here for. The Ludwig factory is not far from my house, If you get a chance come take the factory tour, they will let you watch as some of their wooden shells are being built, Very cool to watch.

Ok, When you said shell bent inward and the hoop too, I thought the worst, Dropped. You could always just send it to me for inspection, let me think of an address first !i

I've seen too many dropped drums. This sounds like another victim.