Are Drummers Smarter?

Karen Hopkins, podcaster for Scientific American, posted this story today on SciAm's website:

"Podcast Transcript: Mozart was a genius. Duke Ellington, genius. Ringo Starr? Well, Ringo may be smarter than you think. Because a new study from Stockholm shows that people who can keep a beat score the highest on intelligence tests. The researchers asked 34 men to listen to a recording and then tap out the beat using a single drumstick. When the music stopped, the guys kept drumming, and they were scored by how closely they were able to maintain the original rhythm.

"After their drum solos, the subjects traded their sticks for pencils and took a standardized intelligence test. The guys who had the steadiest rhythm also nailed the written exam.

"What that means is hard to say. All of our actions, whether we’re making music or solving equations, are governed by the rhythmic activity of nerve cells in the brain. So the scientists think that a keen sense of timing and a penchant for problem solving might come from having well coordinated brain cell activity. While sloppy drumming and sloppy thinking come from brain cells that are slightly out of synch. As for Ringo [lyric: “you know it don’t come easy”]."

Listen to the podcast.

Eagle Drum (188th Regt., Co. E) in Rough Shape Hits eBay Market and Draws Immediate Attention from Knowledgeable Collectors

An opportunity for some Civil War researchers to tell us where this drum came from. Its regiment and company are painted on the eagle's banner, but which state?

As to the drum, Timothy Cohen commented that its tack pattern looks like the drum could be a cut-down (height is only 10-1/2"; a comparable Vogt drum is 16" in height) Ernest Vogt drum (two Vogt drums are pictured below but unfortunately the only photos we have of a Vogt drum are of the pattern Eagle emblazonment and that does match; we'll work on getting some photos of a Vogt drum's tack pattern).

eBay item #350050814609 (seller: harcoll 3261) appeared today:


Compare this drum at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City) attributed to Vogt (ca. 1860, Philadelphia):


And Compare this 1864 Vogt drum in the collection of Civil War Fife and Drum:

16x16-1/2. Label: "“Ernest Vogt, manufacturer of Drums, Banjos, Tambourines, &c. No. 225 Beaver Street, Philadelphia, Contract, December 29, 1864."
Back to the drum on eBay:


188, 18E or 18e? (click the image to enlarge): I think it's "188" as in 188th Regiment (and there were two or more). Live inspection might resolve that issue.


Company G:


What does the interior tell us? The drum may be one-ply. The "blank" from which the shell was made can be seen to have its grain running circumferentially around the drum. The interior reinforcing hoops look thick and strong.


Seller describes the drum as follows:

"... attic fresh, ... found in an attic in Northern Michigan, the only story with it is it belonged to a regiment based in Detroit [unverified], (note the painted marks "18E" and "G") [might be "188" rather than "18e"].

"This drum measures 10-1/2" tall and the hoops are 16-3/4" across. The ropes appear to be original, but the skins are missing. Nothing has been cleaned, this still had original dust and cobwebs. Would benefit immensely from slight cleaning or restoration. Appears to have some soot or lamp black applied, darkening the blue background, but traces of the original blue still show through in spots.

"[Seller denies doing anything to the drum which] still has original layer of attic dust.... Has some whitish spots of light oxidation that would likely brush right off. Someone put two drywall screws through the lower rim to hold it in place."

Vogt Drum Referred to in Comment (below) by TCohen:

Ernest Vogt (attrib.)
Philadelphia, c. 1860
Bentwood with original paint
Height 15.75 inches, diameter 16.75 inches
"This side drum from the 1860s bears a stenciled eagle design that was typical of the thousands of instruments produced for use by the Union Army during the Civil War. The eagle is painted on a blue field, which means it was used in the infantry, and a banner held in the eagle's beak bears the words REG: U.S. INFANTRY.

"This instrument is a rope-tension drum. Players adjust leather tugs, or "ears," to change the tension on the ropes that zigzag back and forth across the shell around the drum. The tension on the ropes changes the pitch of the skin drumhead.
"To the right of the eagle painting is a tack design. Brass tacks were used to reinforce glued shells, and the tack designs became decorative elements for drum makers and also served as a kind of maker's mark. The tack design on this drum consists of a circle around the vent hole; above and below the circle are arrows pointing toward the rims. These geometric figures are framed by two parallel rows of tacks that are parallel with the shell seam. This design is the same one used by the prolific drum manufacturer Ernest Vogt, in Philadelphia, and allows attribution to his workshop."

Increase Blake Bass Drum

[Ed. Note: A piece of the past, found on the Internet and saved here for easier reference in the future. No original content. I believe that the name "SNOREANCE BLAKE" listed with the drum should have been "INCREASE BLAKE".]


CIVIL WAR ERA BASE DRUM. Small size drum, 24" dia. x 13-3/16” wide, wooden bodied with brass and iron tacks. The wood rims are 1-13/16" wide in their old red paint and have their orig. ropes with leather tighteners. The inside of the drum is marked in old ink writing "SNOREANCE BLAKE/DRUM MAKER/FARMINGTON FALLS/ME". CONDITION: The heads are fine. The body is stained and soiled but intact retaining most of an old revarnish. The rims are fine and retain 75-80% orig. red paint. A fine Civil War era drum. 4-45391 JL374 (1,000-1,500)

James D. Julia, Inc.
Important Firearms Auction
March 11 & 12, 2002
Session 2--Lots 500 through 947
Commencing March 12th, 10:00 am at Yoken's Convention Center, Portsmouth, NH

Painted "Eisele-like" Rod Drum May Have Been Converted from Rope

[Ed. Note: A piece of the past, found on the Internet and saved here for easier reference in the future. No original content other than this comment: The stenciled counterhoops on this drum bear the unmistakable impressions of hooks through which rope passed in this drum's earlier form. The ungainly overlength rods are most certainly "after market" additions. The extra length of the threaded rods is unsightly and even dangerous, especially to the drummer whose thigh could easily come into contact with them. And, the overlength rods are inconsistent with the special care taken in painting/decaling the drum if original. The center star appears to be painted, not inlaid. And, the rods, the painted star and the scroll work could have been added many years after the original manufacture to dress up an otherwise very ordinary brown wood drum.]


INLAID PAINTED MARCHING DRUM POSSIBLY CIVIL WAR ERA. This great mahogany drum, believed to be from the Civil War era and features mahogany shell and mahogany rims [Ed. Note: might be referring to the flesh hoops, a piece of which can be seen at the split in the rolled skin head]. It also has paint decorated [Ed. Note: stenciled] hoops made with ash and what appears to be a free-hand paint decoration on the shell together with what appears to be bone or ivory insert on the vent hole. A very similar drum acquired from the same source has a maker's label on the inside (this specific drum does not have the maker's label but is obviously made by the same maker). The label on the other drum reads "Henry Eisele, Successor to William Sempe Manufacturers of the Bass and Snare Drums 209 & 211 Grand Street, New York N.B. Drum heads, Sticks, Cords, and etc. Constantly on Hand". SIZE: 17" dia. x 11" h. CONDITION: The skin on one side is split, the other side of the drum appears to be good. The leather fibers that go across the surface of the drum are frayed and the drum is somewhat soiled and shows handling marks, but it is generally in good structural condition. 8-86955 (1,500-2,500)

James D. Julia, Inc.
Important Firearms Auction
March 11 & 12, 2002
Session 2--Lots 500 through 947
Commencing March 12th, 10:00 am at Yoken's Convention Center, Portsmouth, NH

Canada's Brass Drums

[Ed. Note: These photos and information contributed by Richard Allen.]

CEF Bugle Band in Toronto WW I
(Canadian Expeditionary Force)
Note the large Tenor drum in the second row. Snare drums were made of brass, tenor and bass drums were wood. Most of the drums had the Royal pattern hoops of red and blue with a white "worm" but some regiments used their regimental colours. E.g., in the "QUEENS OWN RIFLES", drum hoops were black and red with a green worm.



The Bugle Band in 1915 at West Sandling Camp, England

Comparison of Unknown Drum with 1863 John Haynes Drum

eBay (#220218079769) described this drum as: "This antique Civil War snare drum with original drumsticks is fresh from a Rhode Island estate. The drum is in a very good state of preservation and retains one very old or original skin. One of the skins and most of the heart shaped leather tugs that hold the rope in place were replaced sometime probably in the 1960's, however, three original leather tugs are still intact .... The drum measures 10 inches wide by 16 1/4 inches in diameter. The seam of the drum is held together with copper nails. There is writing in pencil on the inside of the drum that can be seen through the vent hole (I have not had the drum apart) the name "HENRY R. PACKARD" is printed as well as the date "JULY 30th 1863". Henry R. Packard was a drummer in Company E of the 12th Regiment of the Massachusetts Infantry. There may be more writing inside the drum, however, the view from the vent hole is limited. This drum retains its original black paint on the hoops and the original finish on the shell. The drum also retains its original brass hardware. The drum comes with i[t]s orignal Civil War era hand made drumsticks. Each stick measures approx 17 inches long and is in extremely good condition. Overall this 145 yar old drum is in very good condition! ****













Comparison with a Haynes Drum (ca. 1863):
The drum described and shown in 1863Haynes.pdf is in the blogmaster's collection. In addition to some photos, a partial large label is transcribed and a certification by Jack Lawton is provided. Also, an article by Pat Parker about Jack Lawton, "one of a handful of people around the world who restore, repair, and make reproductions of vintage drums" from "Susquehana Life", together with a brochure from Jack Lawton is in the materials.: 1863Haynes.pdf

Also see this drum (eBay #190211838976) of unknown origin:

Drums with Inlaid Stars

Inlaid designs in drums have always interested me. Wm. S. Tompkins working from his shop in Yonkers, New York produced some beautiful star-burst patterns, as discussed in an earlier posting to this blog: Tompkins 1860-1863 Masterpiece Drums -- Where Are They Now?


1860 Tm. J. HELLRIGLE PRESENTATION DRUM
"National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota. NMM 10,141. Side drum by W. S. Tompkins, Yonkers, New York, 1860. Handwritten inside shell: Wm S. Tompkins / Maker / Yonkers NY / July 31 1860 / No 2190. William F. Ludwig II Collection, 2002."
Soistmann (Philadelphia), Sempf (New York) and others inlaid star patterns around vent holes:

1863 9-point (vertical alignment) Inlaid Star Drum
(eBay #280154132916)
Maker Unknown
"[Attributed to] Company E [which] saw action at Olustee, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Fisher and many other minor battles over the next two years. Spell was mustered out of service on September 1, 1865. 'Wm H. Spell' is written in brown ink on the batter head. Atlanta Auction Company, Inc., Lawrenceville, GA"

[Ed. Note: When I inquired about the above drum at Atlanta Auction Company, Inc. last week (April 11, 2008), I was told that no information could be disclosed about the drum! I had reached a researcher's dead end.]

And this drum in the collection of Ellis Mirsky:
10-point Inlaid (vertical alignment) Star Drum
(interior label reads "W. Soistmann"
probably referring to Werner Soistman)
More 10-Point (vertical alignment) Inlaid Star Drums:

Described by Civil War Antique Shop as: "Civil War Era Wood Snare Drum - Natural wood body snare drum, 17" in diameter by 13 1/2" high having natural wood hoops drilled for rope tensioners with a ten pointed star inlay around the vent hole typical of Drum Maker William Sempf of New York. Marked inside on hoop as being played by William H. Carlisle. Tag & information purchased with drum identify it to William Carlisle age 24 Co. F. 113 Pa Vol Leeburg, Va. also to Howard Carlisle, age 10, 1896. Copies of William Carlisle service records are included. This information was included when restored by Jack Gurney. Drum is in excellent condition being completely restored, included are 16" oak reproduction drum sticks for display. - Price is $ 1250.00 plus shipping and insurance. Item HG-8"


And, from the same collection, another 10-pointer, but slightly different:

"Restored 19th Century Drum - Maker label inside drum of Henry Eisele of New York, drum is a natural wood 'maple' body having original hoops with rope tensioner hooks, the size is 17" in diameter by 14". The vent hole is surrounded by an 10 pointed inlay star. The drum is identified to be played by Bartholomew M. Lynch, Co. C. 203 Regiment Pa Volunteers with period inscriptions inside shell, one dates to Waverly, Pa 1875, copies of service records are included. He is listed as a Musician and seems to have played a part on the assault & capture of Fort Fisher January 15, 1865, this does not confirm the drum was there. Drum has a complete restoration with leathers & rope being replaced, bottom head looks period as well as the strainer, included are 16" reproduction drum sticks for display. - Price is $ 1250.00 plus shipping and insurance. Item - HG-17"

And, talk about putting your pants on backwards: This drum has been taken apart and reassembled but the bottom counter hoop is about 180 degrees off position. The snare strainer should be to the left of the carry point (where the drummer's sling hooks in) and the carry point should be directly behind the front panel design so the design can be seen. That way, when carried, the drummer can adjust the snares with his/her left hand just by reaching down without the need to rotate the drum to get to the snare adjustment.

The above drum is described as follows at the website of the Civil War Antique Shop: "Civil War Period Maple Shell Drum - Drum shows use & wear with 4 leathers being replaced with new, original rope & snare, inlay star is typical of the William Sempf drum maker. The size is 16 3/4" by 12", no maker mark or label inside & looks to have never had one, both heads remain very good to excellent condition. Overall a nice period drum for display in your relic room. - Price is $ 750.00 plus shipping and insurance. Item - HG-28-599."

Another Kind of Star:
This 8-pointer from the collection of Ellis Mirsky is unlike the stars more commonly seen. Manufacturer unknown, despite partial label on which the number "20" can be read, possibly "20th" (as in 20th Century; any assistance in identifying the maker from this partial label or the inlay would be greatly appreciated):


A Better Sample of the Label:

Another drum apparently by the same maker/seller recently sold by eBayer vintagebetti displays the label below, possibly of the same era, bearing similarities to the extent visible on the above label.

This label is from eBay #170227088358 (courtesy of eBayer vintagebetti).

Old Tompkins Drum Surfaces on Internet (here)

Bill Reynolds kindly contributed the following pictures of the Tompkins drum in the collection of Campus Martius.

"The Campus Martius Museum highlights migration in Ohio's history. The museum is on the site of the fortification built by the Ohio Company of Associates, as their headquarters, in 1788 when they founded the first organized American settlement in the Northwest Territory. The restored Rufus Putnam house, part of the original fort, is now enclosed within a wing of the museum."

William G. Jewell was promoted from Musician to Principal Musician, Co. I, Jan 1, 1863; mustered out Nov 9, 1864 per the website of the 18th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.





See also "Tompkins 1860-1863 Masterpiece Drums -- Where Are They Now?"

In addition this drum is in the collection of the OHS:


Civil War era drum used by Henry Bayless during his service in the 74th OVVI. OHS Collections--H68924

Known for Banjos, J.H. Buckbee Made Drums Too

"America's Instrument, The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century" by P. Gura and J. Bollman, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, p. 106 [Ed. Note: The addresses shown on the above 1890s receipt form, 1963 and 1965 Webster Avenue (in the Bronx), are one block north of Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, and one short block off the Park Avenue railroad line which runs directly those addresses (see map) -- a great location for shipping and receiving by rail.]

J.H. Buckbee Drums:

I have two drums with unique snare mechanisms, as well as a snare adjustment key running the length of the drum shell and extending just over the top. The initials "JHB" are forged into the key which looks like a banjo wrench might if it were made for a J.H. Buckbee banjo, which may be where the design came from. (The initials, J.H. stand for John Henry, per "The Banjo Monologues" liner notes, by Joel Mabus, or it could stand for James H. per "The Banjoists' Broadsheet", No. 175 for July 2001, P. 6.)

J.H. Buckbee's Time Period:

"In 1860, J. H. Buckbee began selling the first trade-name banjos (Richelieu, p. 6)."The 5-String Banjo in North Carolina by C.P. Heaton, citing for authority Richelieu, p. 6; Bacon, p. 26; Krick, "The Banjo," The Etude, 56 (Mar. 1938), 192. 7. "How to Play the 5-String Banjo" (Beacon, NY.: Pub. by the author, 1961), p. 68.

"In about 1897 two New York instrument makers, Lange and Rettberg bought the J. H. Buckbee banjo factory [383 Second Ave. according to "The Lange Banjo Ukulele"]. Buckbee of New York had been the banjo maker for many famous players, among them Farland, Foote, Converse, Bruno, Mather, H. Dobson and G.C. Dobson and produced banjos with the names of these performers as the manufacturer. Indeed, Buckbee had been the largest of the post-war banjo manufacturers and produced both handmade and mass produced instruments." "Notes on Orpheum Banjos", by Bill Reese.

And now, my J.H. Buckbee drums:

The first is a relatively plain brown wood drum and the other is an identical copy but dressed up with a gold eagle against a blue background with a banner reading, "Williamsport Rifles" (to be the subject of a future posting to this blog).

The characteristic snare adjuster (similar to a banjo key):


A unique snare mechanism:



Butt end of the snares:


Typical leather pull, tag or ear:


Double-holed carry hook:



And the other is an eagle drum, painted with a banner reading "Williamsport Rifles" (a whole other story).

The Painted Drums of Abner Stevens

[Ed. Note: Information is collected here from various sources on the Internet for preservation purposes, with little additional information.]

1822(?) Roses


From the William H. Guthman Collection, Oct 12, 2006, Lot #608, Sold: $2,632.50.

"Painted with a stylized rose flanked by smaller rose blossoms and buds against leaftips in red and green, the percussion hole within a blue and red star, surrounded by a circular border of nail decoration within diamonds, the interior with label inscribed "Abner Stevens, Military and Bass Drums, Pittsfield, 1822," appears to retain its original red painted bands, rope, snares, top skin and carrying strap. Height 16 inches, diameter 16 1/2 inches."

1822 Decorated 16 inch



"An 1822 eagle decorated snare drum with label of Abner Stevens, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The red eagle on dark brown ground with red borders, initials "Wm. A.W.". The hoops painted red, white and blue. Decorative motif with tacks centering a brass peep hole that reveals maker's label." 15-1/2" h. x 16-1/2 diam. according to brochure of Northeast Auctions' Fall Weekend Auction, Sunday, October 28th, 2006, p. 68.

Flowers/Buds (attributed to Abner Stevens), 16 inch



Info from p4A.com, ltd.

"A painted snare drum, attributed to Abner Stevens, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, circa 1820. Painted with a roundel enclosing stylized flowers within a cartouche border of buds, berries and leaves, all in cream, red and dark green, the ivory-lined percussion hole within brass nail decoration in the form of a stylized flowerhead within diamonds, the leather pulls embossed with anchors."

1824 Lafayette Tribute Drum, Abner Stevens Drum
Overall H: 14 3/4"; diameter: 17" (nominal)

Part of the collection of Old Sturbridge Village.





Collection No. 1.105.13
"This large, rope tightened military drum is similar to many others used throughout New England in the early 1800s. Military drums led marchers in parades and at militia musters, as well as being used for signalling troops in camp and on the battlefield. This drum was made in 1824 in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, who made a triumphal tour of the United States in that year. This French aristocrat volunteered as a soldier in the American Revolution, and became a close friend of George Washington. As a result Lafayette was respected and well liked in America. The return of this old hero to the United States almost 50 years after the Revolution was a grand occasion of pomp and ceremony in the many towns that he passed through.

"The drum cylinder is made from brown varnished bent wood, while the drum head is made from vellum. Inside the drum is a paper label reading: "ABNER STEVENS, Keeps constantly on hand for sale, at his MUSIC SHOP AND STORE, in Pittsfield, Mass., Bass and Tenour (sic), DRUMS, FIFES, and most kinds of musical instruments, Strings, Reeds, Bows &c. &c. Made in the neatest manner, and sold cheap for cash. 1824."."

1810 Unpainted




"Interior label visible through side hole - retains original paint. Braided twine shoulder strap separated, drum heads warped and top head has tear, drum cylinder is in excellent condition."

1830's Meacham & Pond Eagle Drum and Sticks -- Looks very good

Ebay item #300215316269 lists:


"Up for auction is one of the finest Jacksonian-era American military rope tension eagle snare drums ever to be offered for sale on ebay. This style and size of drum was used by both Regular Army and militia units from the 1830s through the Civil War. The beautiful hand-painted eagle on its shell speaks for itself and is a superb example of the type found on federalist period American military snare drums. The small maker label inside the shell directly opposite the vent hole indicates it was made by Meacham & Pond, 84 State St., Albany, New York. The partnership of Horace S. Meacham and Sylvanus Pond music store and instrument manufacturing business existed between the years 1828-1832, which dates the drum's manufacture between those years. It appears that sometime after the Meacham & Pond partnership ended, the name of 'Pond' was neatly cut out of the label inside the shell.

[Ed. Note: An alternative explanation is that the drum dates from after the Meacham & Pond era, that Meacham continued using materials and supplies from the Meacham & Pond era, even after Pond was no longer with him, and that the name "Pond" was cut neatly out of the label to reflect that Pond had left the enterprise. So, until I pin that down, I don't necessarily agree with the date offered by the seller. It could be later, but probably not much.]

**** COMMENT FROM Garman Bowers Jr. ****

...I came across the pictures of the 1830’s Meacham drum that belongs to Mark Elrod. I have this drum in my possession for a little while, for he asked me to restore it to playing condition for him. Nothing much has to be done to it other than replacing some of the leather ears, replacing the gut snares (which you are right were not originals) with better ones, and replacing the rope with hemp rope which would have been what was used originally. You are somewhat incorrect on your thoughts about the Meacham and Pond label that was in the drum. If the labels were left over inventory from Meacham & Pond partnership (which ended in 1832) they would have cut the “Pond” out of the labels before affixing them to the inside of the drum shell (the easiest and most efficient way to do this). However, this is not the case. The drum shells show the knife cuts from where the “Pond” was cut out after the labels were affixed. I also have a Meacham & Pond drum (an exact match to Mark’s drum down to the “Pond” being cut out of the label and showing the knife cuts in the shell) except mine does not have the eagle painted on it (which makes it so I can use it to do both Union and Confederate impressions). I’m sure you are right that Meacham did have inventory left to sell after the partnership ended, but in the case of Mark’s drum and mine it is most likely that the drums themselves were the left over inventory not just the labels making the drums made just before the partnership ended [i.e., pre-1832] and sold sometime there after.

****


"The overall condition of the drum is far better than most drums of this type that have survived over the past 175 years. The ash shell has no cracks, splits or warps and measures 14 1/2" (not including the hoops) and is 16" in diameter. The vivid red hoops are in excellent condition with no cracks or warping. The shell has a fine double circle and diamond tack design directly to the right side of the eagle. There are three tacks that were applied to the corners of the shield on the eagles breast at one time which can be easily removed if so desired. The rope currently on the drum appears to date to the mid-19th century. There are ten leather tugs (ears) on the drum dating to the mid 19th century in various states of condition. The snare and batter heads have no tears and in all probability do not date to the drum's manufacture date. The seven gut snares over the snare heads were probably attached sometime over the past fifty years and are not contemporary to the drums 19th century usage.


"The accompanying large drum sticks or 'clubs' that appear to be made out of maple or ash were probably made during the same period as the drum, if not earlier. They are 17 1/2" long with 3/4" diameter beads.


"This drum is truly one of the rarest and most sought after pieces of Americana as well as a most desirable piece of American military equipage and would be a fabulous edition to any American militaria or general Americana collection.

"The maximum diameter of these sticks (at the point where there are three rings)is ,75 or 3/4". I am told (but I am not sure) that the sticks may be made out opf persimmon wood but as the old saying goes, don't hold my feet to the fire on that."

Other Meacham Drums:

Other Meacham and Meacham type drums are discussed in this blog at Horncollector Snipes Again -- Takes J.& H. Meacham "Type" Drum in Heavily Contested eBay Auction.

See also Meacham drum at Sharpsburg Arsenal.

9th Mass Infantry Drum by Haynes, Boston

[Ed. Note: This article was contributed by Mike Sorenson of West Coast Civil War Collectors and appears here with Mike's permission in furtherance of our goal of assembling information concerning important rope drums.]


Civil War Eagle Presentation Regimental Drum - 9th Mass Infantry

[The label inside the drum's shell] identifies its maker as Massachusetts Drum Manufactory - John C. Haynes & Co. Boston. [Here is a label from another Haynes drum from the same era:]

A Haynes Label from another Haynes drum discussed in this blog


[And yet another Haynes label inside the shell of a drum at eBay #160202815630]

Haynes supplied drums to Civil War regiments from 1863 - 1865 and was known to use the more dramatic eagle motif of the official Army discharge documents as seen on this drum, termed “the landing eagle.” The drum’s 12½” height and 14½" diameter, dark maple rims and shell and brass reinforcing tacks at the shell seam are all characteristic of surviving examples of Haynes drums.

The drum's most striking aspect is the originally painted full color eagle landing on the American shield and panoply of arms and flags. A white twisting riband contains the regimental marking, "9th Mass Vols." Twin red banners on opposing sides of the eagle motif carry battle honors: "Peninsula, Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Virginia 1863, Wilderness (where they suffered 160 killed and wounded on the Orange turnpike in an hour’s fighting.)" The 9th Mass was present at each of those battles. They also fought at Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines’ Mill (167 killed and wounded) and Malvern Hill (93 killed and wounded). After the battle honors were marked on this drum the 9th was later severely engaged at Spotsylvania Court House with many casualties.

Original fine braid ropes of presentation quality remain intact; both skins are original with two minor splits on bottom skin, brass tensioner and gut snares are also present, counter hoops in sound condition with minor losses to top hoop, likely caused by drummer's rim tapping. Accompanied by original sling and drumsticks. A great drum identified to a hard fighting Irish regiment."

Another Haynes Drum (ca. 1863):
[Ed. Note. The drum described and shown in 1863Haynes.pdf is in the blogmaster's collection. In addition to some photos, a partial large label is transcribed and a certification by Jack Lawton is provided. Also, an article by Pat Parker about Jack Lawton, "one of a handful of people around the world who restore, repair, and make reproductions of vintage drums" from "Susquehana Life", together with a brochure from Jack Lawton is in the materials.: 1863Haynes.pdf.]

Brass CW Drum with Documents and Provenance Grabs $695 -- even though the drum at auction is not the drum in the photo

[Ed. Note: This eBay auction (item #250232602758) closed today at $695.00. My opinion: a lot of money for a book, a bit of provenance, and a drum that does not match the drum in the photo. But, evidently two experienced bidders (d***7 367 and cbi1944 59) who duked it out in the $535 to $695 range, disagree. For my part, frankly, I wouldn't have paid more than $50 (which is exactly where a real pro, j***j 331, a major collector and knowledgeable drum restorer, dropped out). The market value is the price at which a willing buyer and willing seller exchange a good for money. So, apparently the market value of these items was $695, but I just don't get it.]

[Ed. Note: Currently on eBay (item #250232602758) is a drum and associated documents described as below. I've posted this information here in order to preserve it on the Internet because the eBay listing will eventually be gone and, with it, this information which merits preservation.]


George W. Hayden
(The eBay seller confirmed in an email to me today that these are two different drums)


"Civil War brass snare drum carried by George W. Hayden, drummer boy for the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Army of the Potomac. It has been cut down and was likely altered around the turn of the 20th century with the rope tighteners replaced by eight brass tube lugs. A full size unaltered Civil War period brass snare drum can be seen on the web site of the National Music Museum of the University of South Dakota in the Ludwig collection.

[In response to my request for his opinion, a knowledgeable drum collector and accomplished drummer wrote: "Looks good to me. I can use the parts. It would be unusual to 'cut-down' a brass shell, -- not impossible in a good tinshop to cut it and roll new bearing surfaces, but why bother? The remainder of the shell (with unused strainer) could be original, so I am curious to compare it with a couple of my well-documented drums (Peter Guibert and an imported and beautifully decorated Boucher). Hoops & hoop mounted strainer are later 1800's, but an interesting object for an autopsy."]

"Written in pencil on one side of the skin drumhead is 'in the war 62-65 Geo W. Hayden George [with some indecipherable, smaller writing]'



"At the opposite end of the same side is written in pencil [is] 'in the war 1862-65'

"The 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was recruited in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in late 1862. George W. Hayden, born in Easton in 1848, apparently joined up in 1862 as a drummer boy when the regiment was mustered. The 153rd saw action at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and remained in service through the duration of the war.



"The drum itself measures 16 inches in diameter and is 8 inches in height. Many have looked at the drum and it is concluded that the wooden rims are original with the original paint; the drumheads are original; the brass shell is original, except for being cut down; the twisted gut cord snares may be original; and the brass snare tightener is original. Since this is a Pennsylvania drum it is very possible that it was manufactured by Horstmann Brothers of Philadelphia. However, [the seller] could not detect a label on the outside and could not see one looking inside through the vent hole. Overall the drum is in excellent condition without dents and with expected wear to the pain on the rims. The skin drumheads are also in very good condition except for expected discoloration and a small 2 inch long split, which can be seen in the photographs.



"Accompanying the drum are provenance documents, as seen in the photographs. The first item is an original letter written by George W. Hayden in Easton, December 15, 1863, likely when the regiment was in camp. The letter is transcribed verbatim as follows:


"Easton December 15th 1863

"Dear friend
"I now sit down to inform you that I am well, hoping that these few lines may find you in the same state of health. Bill we have moved to, I guess you aint the only one moves nowdays, for we moved down in the square in Whites Hotel where Heller used to keep we moved on the 7th and I like the place first [unrecognizable word]. Bill you talk about me coming down this winter for I would like to come very much I will try and get off in the Holidays if my Pah leaves me for I was never thier yet. Bill you need not come to the depot for me I may not be thier to meet you. Bill I wish I was tied to a tree again and stand in the snow nearly up to my knees. Bill do you remember how Doctor Youse to promise me to come over with his two bobtails and take me out a riding and what gay times we would have. Bill I can lick you on a sparr, a piching horse shoes, [unrecognizable word] or yucker or any other things of that sort. Bill over here they drawed a curtin write over Woodwards eyes and he is behind the curtin and they say no more about him. Bill I tell you what you may do for your brave Drummer Boy send him a chrismas present of a pair of skates and I will thank you very much. So no more at present from your friend

"George W. Hayden
"Easton Northampton County
"Pennsylvania Dec 15th 1863
"Hurrah for Uncle Abe

"The handwriting is very good, which originally led [the seller] to believe that George dictated it to someone. However, there are misspellings, punctuation errors and use of words such as ain’t, which leads [the seller] to believe that George wrote the letter.

"Also, accompanying the drum is a book, History of the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, written by W.R. Kiefer. There is a bookmark, which appears to be a souvenir from a regimental reunion held after the war, as well as a pink card on which is written 'He was at Gettysburg. Drum brought back from Gettysburg by George Hayden'.


"The card is written in the same hand that wrote the words on the drum, but is definitely not the handwriting of the letter.

"On page 109 of the book is a cluster of photographs of the regimental drummer boys. George W. Hayden is pictured with his drum – possibly this same drum.


"This same picture of George is the final piece that accompanies the purchase – George’s framed photograph printed on what appears to be silk. The outside frame measurements of the picture are 12.75 inches by 9.75 inches. The photograph itself measures 5.5 inches by 8 inches."

AND NOW THE REST OF THE STORY:
Look at the strange device on the side of the drum above the butt end of the snares:



Now look at this example of a Swiss snare drum mechanism on a drum in the National Music Museum:



Also, note the proximity of the brass J-hook snare adjuster and its base to the vent hole on the Swiss drum. Compare the proximity of what could be the base of what once might have been a J-hook snare adjuster (now missing the J-hook) with the vent hole in the brass drum on eBay. On both drums the adjuster is directly in line with the vent hole. Not that that is meaningful, as they are unrelated.

But, for esthetic purposes, where better to conceal a hole in a drum than behind the snare adjuster or at least tucked away in what would have been the back of the drum, out of sight. (I am aware that many drum makers built patterns of tacks around vent holes, dressing them up with bone grommets, and even painted patterns emanating from vent holes. But that does not appear to have ever been the case on this brass drum.)

Also, note what could be a telling stain above the leather butt end of the snares just under what I believe is an old and no longer used J-hook snare adjuster base. That stain looks as if it was made by snares running over the flesh hoop and onto a J-hook that was attached to the base which remains on the drum. What other explanation is there for that piece of metal?

Also, note that the snares, as currently configured, do not touch the flesh hoop and so could not have made that stain (unless the head was installed 180 degrees rotated which is a possibility).

Add to this the fact that the drum is brass and I'm inclined to think that we're looking at a drum that once had a J-hook snare adjuster, and that it could be of German, Belgian or French manufacture where brass drums shells and where J-hook snare adjusters were popular.

As always, if you have an opinion, please feel free to post a comment or email me. I am always happy to hear from readers of this blog.

Horncollector Snipes Again -- Takes J.& H. Meacham "Type" Drum in Heavily Contested eBay Auction

FIRST, THE eBAY AUCTION:
Making another stealth appearance a mere 6 seconds before eBay's virtual hammer fell on this beauty, Horncollector (nay, as "Dancing with the Stars" judge Bruno Tonioli might say, "Horncollector, you are de DRUM co-LEK-tor!") easily sniped in (do I have that right, or did you ezsniper.com in?) to walk away with a win in this heavily contested auction.


After a few amateurs and lookie-louies had their say in the $275 and under range (bargain hunters looking to steal a deal), things were inactive for the four days prior to the hammer. Then, with just about two hours to go, all hell broke loose with r***l (1143) (the number in parenthesis indicates eBay comments; an eBayer with 1,143 comments is likely in the biz, not an amateur and not likely a collector, although possibly) jacking up the ante to $501 and then to $551 under pressure from s***j (447) who planted his top end apparently at $750 to take a temporary lead. Then, pressure from sniper e***t (809) bidding $751 an hour later left s***j in the dust with only seconds to show time.

But, even that wasn't enough to grab the prize as j***j (329), a well-known collector and friend of this blogmaster, weighed in with his high end bid of $850 -- a valiant stab, but insufficient. Teaching us all another lesson in just how much he will spend to get a really good drum, Horncollector sniped in, winning with a high snipe of $860, his real top end being known only to him (and eBay of course) but which I estimate to be not less than $1,000. Horncollector has a penchant and a pocketbook - a dangerous combination for his competitors.

Fortunately Horncollector shows his goods online at his website. Unfortunately, it's not clear yet whether Horncollector is truly a drum collector or just a long-term arbitrageur buying and holding these beauties for resale. Some of his collection is for sale, according to his website, where he also offers space to others to list their goods for sale and charges a pre-payment of a percentage of the offering price.

NOW LET'S DISCUSS THE DRUM:
This "Meacham type" drum caught my attention when it came on eBay (item # 230235239271) last week. The seller described it as follows:
"A great old bentwood military drum with handsome steel tack and painted decorations. I am calling this a Civil War-era piece based on comparable examples I was able to find, likewise it appears to be very similar to examples manufactured by J&H Meacham of Albany, but I can find no identifying labels or marks on the visible surfaces. I did try to peer inside the drum hole also but i could either shine a light into it, or look into it, but not do both simultaneously. The finish is old, and the drumhead and base obviously well-used. There is a small loss to the base band as illustrated from both inside and outside, approximately 2 1/2" l. x 1" h., as well as small splits 3/4" and 1 1/4" on the head, 2 1/2" l. on the underside. The top rim has slipped up and over the edge of the head, as I also attempted to show, but I am wary of trying to fit it back down myself. Overall measurements approximately 17" dia. x 16" h."


See another drum attributed to J&H Meacham, described as a "painted and tacked military drum with J&H Meacham, Albany label":

"A percussion drum with hand painted insignia plus pair of drumsticks. Stylized red painted floral ornamentation with green background. Steel domed tacks enhance the floral image. Ten ropes with related leather percussion mounts. Inside of drum with paper label that reads 'New Military Store J&H Meacham No. 84 State Street Albany.'"

Cowan's website reports that the drum was sold at its Winter Firearms Auction, Nov. 7and 8, 2007 for a hammer price (including buyer's premium) of $1,035 against a pre-sale estimate of $400-$600. Cowan's description adds this information: "15.75 [in.] height x 16.25 [in.] diameter. *** Complete with 17.75 [in.] drumsticks. *** Both drumheads are intact."



And from Militaria and Americana by Northeast Auctions, part of the Guthman Collection:


"William H. Guthman Collection, Oct 12, 2006
"Lot # 610
"TWO PAINTED AND NAIL-DECORATED DRUMS.
"Sold: 1,872.00

"Each painted around the percussion hole with a stylized flowerhead and foliage in red, green and yellow, further embellished with brass nail decoration in a conforming pattern, one appears to retain its original red washed bands, snares and skins, and bears the label of 'New Military Store, J. & H. Meacham, No. 84 State Street, Albany...,' height 15 inches, diameter 16 1/2 inches. Together with Susan Cifaldi, 'Benjamin Clark's Drum Book,' 1989. (3)"