Saturday, May 31, 2008

Regimental Drum - Ernest Vogt maker

[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.]


Made in 1864, this eagle snare drum was constructed by Ernest Vogt of Philadelphia. Vogt received a government contract on December 29, 1864 for 2,000 regimental drums. A stenciled winged eagle is painted on infantry blue background on the drum's face. The eagle bears a red riband marked “Reg. U.S. Infantry” but is without regimental designation on the left banner. On the eagle’s breast is a traditional American shield. Surrounding his head are thirty-two six-pointed stars, and above him the fiery arched clouds are capped with a sunburst pattern of rays. The ash shell is decorated with Vogt’s personal tack pattern, an arrow-circle-arrow design with vertical borders on each side.

Original and uncut, the drum stands 16” high and drum body is 16½” wide. Skins and ropes are original, with top skin bearing stencil initials (presumably the drummer’s) "G. D." Counter hoops are original red color and drilled for ropes. The drum bears excellent maker’s label “Ernest Vogt, manufacturer of Drums, Banjos, Tambourines, &c. No. 225 Beaver Street, Philadelphia, Contract, December 29, 1864.”

Member - Mike Sorenson
Item #: CIV-148

1 comment:

  1. This is the same drum described on Cowan's Auctions website at http://www.cowanauctions.com/past_sales_view_item.asp?ItemId=10135 as follows:

    Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium: $7,475.00
    Auction: 2003 Americana and Decorative Arts. Nov. 12 - 13.

    310. CIVIL WAR ERA REGIMENTAL DRUM, with hand-painted band approx. 1/3 the circumference of the drum. Background is blue with shield-breasted eagle holding ribbon with Regt. / U.S. / Infantry, rims painted red. Drum heads are held with rope, leather tighteners; brass tacks hold wood body together. Heads intact. Paint still bright. Height: 16"; diameter 16". Interior printed label reads Ernest Vogt. / Manufacturers of / Drums, Banjos, Tamborines (sic), &c / No. 225 Beaver Street, / Philadelphia / Contract, December 29th, 1864.

    Excellent condition overall. Wood split between 2 of the holes on top rim, maybe missing a couple tighteners, paint on bottom rim a bit worn, else fine.

    (EST $8000-$10000)
    Price Realized: $7,475.00
    Price includes buyer's premium.

    ReplyDelete

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