Sunday, November 30, 2008

IS IT AUTHENTIC OR BOGUS?: Brass Eagle Drum attributed to Spanish American War

[Ed. Note: Not sure about this drum. Looks too good. Reminds me of the Pakistani imports. Any thoughts?

This comment from "ropedrum": I agree. This is a Pakistani drum, probably less than 15 years old. What is certain is that it is NOT American made, not from any American conflict. Pakistan, being a former British colony, adopted the British military band instruments, and this is an example. The dead give-away is the brass sling-hook. American drums had no such carriage. Nor were American drums equipped with white leather, that is a British trait.

The description assumes the drum to be Span-AM "based on its brass shell." Truth is, brass shell were in use long before the Civil War and there are a few authenticated examples. The painted eagle is an exact copy of every Pakistani drum I've seen. Perhaps it is a decal. The guts snares are way too thin, like all Pakistani drums, and the skins are way too thick, as well.

The description lists the drum as 14.5 x 14.5. That would indicate the actual drum size is closer to 11 x 13, though I assume it is the "British" standard of 12 x 14.

If this guy can get $2.5K for this thing, I'll sell my wooden version of the same, which I paid $99 new. Maybe I can say it IS a Civil War relic and fetch $4K!
]


3 IWP - EXQUISITE ANTIQUE OFFICIAL U.S. ARMY HAND PAINTED EAGLE DRUM. Identical to U.S. Army eagle drums used during the Civil War, but this one is an equally official specimen from the Indian War-Spanish American War period – the post-Civil War dating is based on its brass shell. This is the finest example of the official U.S. Army Infantry eagle drum I have encountered in over 46 years in the militaria business. I thought so much of this drum, I retained it for over 30 years. This is Americana of the highest order – patriotic art in the classic form. Measures 14½” high and 14½” in diameter. Rims are red. Body is sheet brass. Half the body is faced with dark blue paint, upon which the spread eagle insignia is entirely hand painted in full color…totally identical to Civil War specimens, done professionally, and in perfect condition. All parts are original...snares, ropes, tugs, heads, rims, body. Issued to U.S. Army Infantry Regimental bands, and has the classic ribband held in the eagle’s beak reading “REG. U.S. INFANTRY”. Excellent, original heads. Top head has 5” tear along one edge. Rest is excellent. Fine original rim paint. Fine original rope, including the braided loop underneath. Fine gut snares. Brass snare adjuster. Brass belt hook. White buff leather tugs. Brass body excellent, needing polish on unpainted area, now tarnished darkly. An exquisite portrait of the American Emblem, the spread eagle/shield in full color. $2,500

Anderson Militaria
P. O. Box 39063, Ninilchik, AK 99639
907-567-4474
dandersonmilitaria@gmail.com

1 comment:

  1. I agree. This is a Pakistani drum, probably less than 15 years old. What is certain is that it is NOT American made, not from any American conflict. Pakistan, being a former British colony, adopted the British military band instruments, and this is an example. The dead give-away is the brass sling-hook. American drums had no such carriage. Nor were American drums equipped with white leather, that is a British trait.
    The description assumes the drum to be Span-AM "based on its brass shell." Truth is, brass shell were in use long before the Civil War and there are a few authenticated examples. The painted eagle is an exact copy of every Pakistani drum I've seen. Perhaps it is a decal. The guts snares are way too thin, like all Pakistani drums, and the skins are way too thick, as well.
    The description lists the drum as 14.5 x 14.5. That would indicate the actual drum size is closer to 11 x 13, though I assume it is the "British" standard of 12 x 14.
    If this guy can get $2.5K for this thing, I'll sell my wooden version of the same, which I paid $99 new. Maybe I can say it IS a Civil War relic and fetch $4K!

    ReplyDelete

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