This is an excellent example of an early Geisler/Slingerland model snare drum. Not a lot is known about the origin of these drums. The badge says Eugene Geiler & Co. Chicago, U.S.A., Pats. Pend. Evidently Slilngerland bought this drum company in Slingerland's early drum making days because this same drum configuration, including the badge, is also found with the Slingerland name. Eugene Geiler was an early Slingerland drum endorser in the 1920’s which is another connection between the two companies.
This drum is a 4 ½”x14” cast aluminum shell with brass rims and 20 non- magnetic/brass clips (10 each side). The clips go through eyelets on the rims and clip to the external aluminum rims attached to the body of the shell. There are 8 vent holes, one between each set of clips. The tension rods are also non-magnetic with hex heads. This drum comes with a key specially designed for these tension rods. The throw-off may have had some alterations over the years as it does not conform to other examples we have seen of Geisler drums. The throw-off lever has been replaced and the throw-off works well. A great deal of the original black paint was missing from the shell so the shell was stripped and re-painted. All the hardware is chrome plated, which might date this drum to the late 1920’s as chromium plating was not developed until that time. This would make a good addition to any collection of vintage drums or could be usesd as a player drum. The drum has modern Remo Ambassador heads and wire snares and produces a nice warm sound.
General Characteristics | |
Era | 1900-1928 |
Condition | Excellent |
Extra Holes or Modifications | None |
Hardware Finish | Chrome |
Drum Characteristics | |
Color Group | Black |
Shell Size | 4 1/2" x 14" |
Hardware Type | clips |
Shell Construction | Cast Aluminum |
Lug Count | 20 |
Shell Finish | Black Duco |
Badge Type | Eugen Geisler |