Saturday, May 31, 2008

Yet Another Wm. S. Tompkins Drum?

I came across this drum which is unmistakably in the Wm. S. Tompkins tradition (see Tompkins 1860-1863 Masterpiece Drums -- Where Are They Now?). It was part of Cowans' Auctions "Spring Firearms & Militaria", April 30 - May 2, 2008 and described only as "Indian War Era Drum", 16" x 14" with rosewood sticks, geometric marquetry design on the front. Excellent. (EST $200-$500) Price Realized:$1,150.00. Price includes buyer's premium.

Points of Interest:
The familiar Tompkins design is not, in this drum, centered about a vent hole. And, the drum sports a wingbolt-type compression-pull snare mechanism affixed to the bottom hoop, also not always characteristic of Tompkins' work (some of the Tompkins drums shown in Tompkins 1860-1863 Masterpiece Drums -- Where Are They Now? lack metal snare hardware). So, is this a Tompkins drum? Maybe. The hooks look right. But what about the leather ears?. Could the the snare mechanism and the leather ears be after-market additions?

Information on Cowan's Auctions Website:
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium: $1,150.00
Auction: 2008, Spring Firearms & Militaria, Apr 30 - May 2,

228. INDIAN WAR ERA DRUM, 16" x 14" with rosewood sticks. Geometric marquetry design on the front. Excellent.

(EST $300-$500)
Price Realized: $1,150.00
Price includes buyer's premium.

Cowan's Auctions, Inc.
6270 Este Ave
Cincinnati, OH United States 45232
513-871-1670

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