Right.
Shell stripped, insides stripped. Nostrils stripped I'm sure. Hands blackened by polishing and this is what I get. The nickel really isn't in good condition and the results are patchy but I quite like the 'weathered' look and the shell is sound.
If you compare the original pictures, you'll see how much effort this has been!
EDIT: This drum is almost certainly an 'Ajax Senior No. 1' from the early 30s. Apparently, that's a good thing.
The only issue now is that I have to start thinking about heads. Oli included a fitting resonant head (that is in bad shape) which I've used for measuring purposes. I've found somewhere that sells that size but I'm going to measure it 1,000 times before I take the plunge. I could get single-flange 14" sized hoops (this is a pre-international drum) and add small gaskets under the tube lugs to prevent any lug splay. Of the two options, ordering a pair of heads the right size is much cheaper but in the long-term, the bigger inconvenience.
Ideas? Suggestions? I'm fairly sure I'll be getting the pre-international heads (after payday, a couple of weeks away!) but my other option is going fully native and making my own calfskins for this drum. I'd like to try all three in an ideal world!