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This is an early 1920s, solid Walnut shell, 12”x15” Field drum in excellent original condition. These drums were described in the late 1920's Leedy catalogs as having "floating" heads because the flesh hoop fits into the metal flange on the counter hoop. This is the modern design that is common now but was a new development in the late 1920's. This drum has undergone light restoration. The shell has been cleaned and refinished and the hardware was lightly cleaned. The wire-wound silk snares are original to the drum. Modern heads fit nicely beause the shell is “in round.” Inside the shell are the numbers 37866 written in pencil and partially hidden by one of the lug backing plates. Also written inside the shell in pencil is the name H E Moulton, presumably one of, if not the original owner(s) of the drum. The date “June 29-36 all weather heads” is also written in pencil on the inside of the shell. We can only speculate that this was a date that new calf heads were put on the drum. Unfortunately, these original calf heads did not survive.
The drum produces an amazing sound. With its original wire-wound silk snares, the drum has the period's iconic rough growly sound. It's original hardware includes eight early 20s double tension lugs with the two-screw mounting, 16 original tension rods with all the washers, and double flanged brass rims. The top rim has one hole for clipping a marching strap. This clip is not currently attached to the rim but is included with the drum. The drum also has a clip attached under one of the tension rods, which is currently attached. The original throw-off works well, although interestingly, the lever is on the opposite side of the throw-off, something we have never seen before this example. Walnut shell drums are not as common as their later mahogany brothers making this not only a bit rarer but also uniquely beautiful.
| General Characteristics | |
| Model | No. 731 |
| Era | 1900-1928 |
| Condition | Excellent |
| Extra Holes or Modifications | None |
| Date | 1928 |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel |
| Drum Characteristics | |
| Color Group | Natural Wood |
| Shell Size | 12" x 15" |
| Hardware Type | elite |
| Shell Construction | solid Walnut |
| Lug Count | 8 |
| Shell Finish | Natural Walnut |
| Badge Type | None |
