This is one of the earliest Ludwig & Ludwig "All Metal Snares", c. 1912. They are called Band & Orchestra Drums in the 1912 catalog. This is before they settled into their later Standard styles. There is some variation in their construction.

I have one of these snares (5 X 14", w/ 6 lugs), & the bearing edge is bent over, & solidly filled w/ brass. Your drum looks immaculate.

Thank you! This drum sounds as good as it looks! Yes, I still play it. Not with the original heads, of course. Amazing projection. It DEMANDS to be heard, and it is beautifully clear and crisp.

I found yours in the gallery, and it seems to have a fixture mine appears to be missing. The only real flaw. I had thought it was where a tone control or muffler had been removed. What is it, and can I find one anywhere?

These snares did not have a tone control or muffler. They are occasionally found w/ holes drilled in them for wires, heating elements, & changed out strainers.

(I cannot see very clearly what the extra hole is in your snare) . The early strainers were attached w/ 1 mounting hole. It's possible that your present strainer replaced an earlier one.

Looks like a 30s-40s Slingerland tone control thumbscrew.

Mike Curotto

It is definitely not an original part, for sure. Somebody just plugging the hole, maybe? And scratching the shell to do it.... The strainer and snares are right where they should be, as there is a slight depression on both sides in the bottom of the shell to run the snares. But on tdennis' there seems to be more than just a hole, but some type of hardware that is not on mine.