Yesterday, I went to meet forum member 'StaggerLee' to pick up an old snare drum. The model is from the 1930s and was sold by Boosey and Hawkes - an old importer/distributor/manufacturer of British drums that sold under a multitude of names, including Beverley and Ajax. Much of that history is lost and information is difficult to find even with the advent of the Internet.
This particular drum has an interesting history. According to the seller, it was originally bought as a regimental drum and was used there for some years. Along the way it has been painted (with house paint and a brush, no less) at least twice and looks very sorry for itself. It needs significant work.
The hardware and shell is brass. On initial inspection, the gold lustre has disappeared over the years and is left with a nickel-like colour but the original colour is still visible on a couple of select areas.
I took most of the hardware off, soaked it for ten minutes in dish detergent (Sainsbury's own - only the finest), brushed it down and laid the hardware out to air dry. Quite a lot of dirt came off! The next step will involve buying paint stripper and getting to work and that shell.
EDIT: I've just done some digging. The snare is an awful lot like an old Black Beauty - at least in its construction. Could it be nickel over brass? If so, this is going to be tough!
This particular drum has an interesting history. According to the seller, it was originally bought as a regimental drum and was used there for some years. Along the way it has been painted (with house paint and a brush, no less) at least twice and looks very sorry for itself. It needs significant work.
The hardware and shell is brass. On initial inspection, the gold lustre has disappeared over the years and is left with a nickel-like colour but the original colour is still visible on a couple of select areas.
I took most of the hardware off, soaked it for ten minutes in dish detergent (Sainsbury's own - only the finest), brushed it down and laid the hardware out to air dry. Quite a lot of dirt came off! The next step will involve buying paint stripper and getting to work and that shell.
EDIT: I've just done some digging. The snare is an awful lot like an old Black Beauty - at least in its construction. Could it be nickel over brass? If so, this is going to be tough!