Ludwig Gold Flash Super

1930s Ludwig & Ludwig, 5”x14” Gold Flash Pearl covering with “Classic Gold” plated hardware.

This is a very rare, 1930s Ludwig & Ludwig, 5”x14” Super Ludwig model snare drum in Gold Flash Pearl covering with “Classic Gold” plated hardware. This drum possesses many rare features for the era.  First, it has the seldom seen “Gold Flash Pearl” covering.  Very few drums can be found today with the early 1929-1932 “Gold Flash Pearl”. Secondly, it is a ply shell.  Virtually every wooden snare drum up until 1940 was constructed with a solid shell. The nice thing about a ply shell is that it kept its shape more consistently than a solid shell as born out by this drum which is in round and modern heads fit easily. Finally, the feature that really makes this drum stand out is the “Classic Gold” hardware. This festure, combined with the “Gold Flash Pearl” covering, makes it an exceptional display drum.  Like most of the “flash” type finishes of the era the pearl has checked throughout, there is also a slight greenish fade present in a couple panels due to sunlight exposure. However, the Pearl covering is tight to the shell with no lifting. Another common occurrence with the “Flash finishes of the era is the presence of “cancer” spots that developed over time. There is only a very small amount of “cancer” (brown spots) seen around one of the tube lugs on this drum. 

The drum was quite dirty and missing a few parts when we received it. Luckily, we had the era correct missing parts to complete the drum.  Both rims were missing and have been replaced with re-plated gold plated rims. A couple rim clips, tension rods and a few nuts and bolts were also missing and have been replaced.  The inside of the shell had been repainted white and there had been a different throw-off and butt plate mounted on the drum in the past leaving 4 small extra holes that have been plugged and hidden.  All hardware has been cleaned and re-lacquered. One snare guard is from the earlier deluxe (copper) plating era but does not detract from the look of the drum. The snares are of the era individually adjustable wire, a little stretched out but still functional.

We date this drum from c.1932.  The “Gold Flash Pearl” was used from 1929 to 1932.  After 1932 Ludwig used what they called “Gold Flake Pearl”, which has a larger pattern gold flake in the pearl. Also, the “Classic Gold” plating was introduced in the 1932 catalog, previously they used the copper colored plating and called it the “Deluxe” finish. Lastly, after 1932 they started adding mufflers to the drums, which this drum does not have.  The white paint interior is consistent with the practice of the time, however there is no date stamp, also consistent with the early 1930s drums.

This is a great opportunity to add a very rare playable showpiece item to your collection.