Inlaid Counterhoop JHB Drum Surfaces

Previously we published a story about the JHB brand of snare drums, "Known for Banjos, J.H. Buckbee Made Drums Too" this blog, Apr. 13, 2008. We've seen very few of these drums, perhaps 3 or 4 to date.

Blog reader, drummer and drum maker/restorer George Kubicek wrote to bring this drum to our attention. eBayer linm47 ( 322) has posted eBay item no. 160396272685, described as follows:

c1899 Antique JHB CHESHIRE MILITARY ACADEMY SNARE DRUM

Up for bid is a John Henry Buckbee Snare Drum, dated 1899. The original owner's name, Spittler, and the initials CMA (Cheshire Military Academy) are written on the left and right of the drum adjuster. The adjuster key bears the initials JHB. The drum has been marked, in pen most likely by Spittler, with several logos, as well as the verbiage Corporal, Drummer, Cheshire Military Academy, 1899. All the parts pictured are original though there are some missing pieces such as the leather pulls. The drumsticks are included. Please note, one of the sticks has some wood loss (see photo).

J.H. Buckbee of New York started out as a banjo manufacturer but eventually made drums as well. The Cheshire Military Academy is still standing though it is no longer a military academy but rather a private school (The Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut).

The sticks measure 16-3/4" long and have an 11/16" diameter. The drum is 16-1/4" in diameter and stands 8" tall. There is no significant damage nor have any repairs been found. Overall, this drum is in very good-to-excellent condition. A fantastic addition to any Antique Instrument or Military Memorabilia collection.

An article in this blog, "Marquetry in Drums of the Past (Redux)" July 8, 2008, addresses the art of inlay and, specifically, how the counterhoop inlay would have been made.

My Second Surgery Went Well

It's Sunday evening, January 10. Yesterday the Jets beat the Bengals; this afternoon the Pats were embarassed by the Ravens; and I'm watching Green Bay struggle to reprise last week's win over Arizona. You now have a good idea about what I've been able to accomplish this weekend.

My surgery went well Thursday. I am now the happy owner of two replacement hips. Dr. Buly used size 7 Titanium Stryker spikes driven into the centerline of my femors after carefully dislocated them from my hip plates and removing the tops to get access for the spikes.

1887 Print of Soldiers with Rifles, marching to Drummer's Beat

ebay seller whitetea*ginger ( 604) is offering item no. 350276180220 described as follows:

Wonderful 19th century antique photogravure print dating to 1887. Print is an authentic antique print. Condition is very nice and clean for a print of this age. Print has ample blank margins. Overall size is approximately 8.25 inches by 12 inches with image size being approximately 5 5/8 inches by 7.75 inches. Blank on the back.

Print is titled in the blank margins. "La guerre; marche en avant." Artist is A. P. Roll.

Firth, Pond, & Co. Free Hand Eagle (ca. 1861)

Here is a beautiful regimental snare drum by Firth, Pond & Co. of New York City. The company dated to 1847 and was principally known as a publisher of sheet music. The firm's most famous client was Stephen Foster. One of its biggest sellers was the unattributed "The Yellow Rose of Texas" which they published in the 1850s. Later, they made instruments--guitars, pianos, drums, and fifes. John Firth died in 1863 and company name was changed.

This drum, which bears their label, Firth, Pond, & Co., is one of their early drums, likely from the company's first US Army contract dating to 1861. The eagle is not from a stencil, but was painted free hand. It is all original and unretouched. The top head is also original. The bottom head may be original or replaced long ago. The original sling was married to the drum at some point in time and is identified to G.L. Richey, Co. G, 153rd New York Volunteers according to an old tag affixed to the sling. The drum came from the collection of author and collector Chris Nelson.

Source: J.S. Mosby, Antiques & Artifacts
http://www.jsmosby.com