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) [sale: GUN Spring 02] $1,322.00 Lot 628.-----
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. It also has paint decorated 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) [sale: GUN Spring 02] $2,012.00 Lot 627.-----
LATE 19TH CENTURY SNARE DRUM. With no visible markings or decorations except five-pointed stars on the leather sliders. CONDITION: Generally good. Two pin holes in the top head. The black and brown varnish finish is probably not the original. Two sets of sticks and a chamois beater accompany the lot. FS899 4-46030 (400-600) [sale: GUN Fall 02] $230.00 Lot 1695.-----
CIVIL WAR ERA SNARE DRUM. Bands are painted with black foliate decoration, body has decoration of eagle on patriotic shield, ivory peep hole, label of maker inside drum reads “HENRY EISELE, SUCCESSOR TO WILLIAM SEMPF. MANUFACTURER OF BASE AND SNARE DRUMS, 209 & 211 GRAND STREET NEW YORK”. SIZE: 12” tall x 16” diameter. CONDITION: Drum is totally original with original heads and snares. Bottom head has old ink name “W.A. Elliott”. Patented metal clips, original rope and leather tighteners are present. Original rope has two old repairs done with wire. 4-49041 JS66 (1,000-1,500) [sale: GUN Fall 03] $1,840.00 Lot 552.-----
CIVIL WAR ERA DRUM. SIZE: 15”x16” diameter. Label inside drum reads, “DRUMS AND FIFES MADE AND SOLD BY J. & G. DENNISON, FREEPORT”. Drum body is decorated with a painted drooped-wing eagle and on opposite side “THIRD MAINE REG. INFANTRY”. CONDITION: Both heads are shattered and partially missing. Ropes appear old as do tighteners. Hoops retain remnants of original red paint. Eagle painting is not typical of Civil War and could be commemorative. 4-50379 JS82 (1,500-3,500) [sale: GUN Spring 04] $3,162.00 Lot 607.-----
PHOTOGRAPH OF FOUR MILITARY DRUMMERS. Large frame of military drummers. IMAGE SIZE: 16”x13”. Seated are four young men in musicians coats with eagle sword belts and their four drums sitting in front of them. Reverse of photographs states, “GREAT GRANDFATHER QUIMBY WHO WAS A DRUMMER IN THE CIVIL WAR, 1862-1863”. 4-50384 JS83 (750-1,500) [sale: GUN Spring 04] $747.00 Lot 606.-----
LARGE PAINTED CIVIL WAR DRUM. 18" wide x 12" high eagle carrying banner in beak reading "REG. U.S. INFANTRY." The drum is by R. Mein of Fordham, N.Y. and is so marked on the label opposite the vent. 17" diameter with bent wood body and tightening rings. The vent hole is surrounded by brass tacks. Includes a pair 16-1/2" drum sticks in fine condition. CONDITION: The painted surface is very good with only minor chips but there is a 7" split starting at the eagle's left wing tip and running under that wing. There is light flaking on the eagle's right side. The fastening rings show some loss of finish together with many splits in the fastening area. Some nails are missing. Both heads are torn and need to be replaced. The tension strings are broken in many places and only five of the leather tightening bands remain. Hamilton Collection 4-52150 (4,500-6,500) [sale: GUN Fall 04] $7,500.00Lot 1229.-----
CIVIL WAR ERA DECORATED DRUM BY WILLIAM SEMPF, NEW YORK. Circa 1860. Inside label “William Sempf Manufacturer of Base and Snare Drums 209 & 211 Grand St, New York…”. An oval stamp is also inside stating “Dixie White Olaf”. This is located on the drum head. There is a pencil signature next to the label “76 TSU”. Outside of the drum has black decoration to the outside wood bands. Central band decorated with eagle and shield. The outside rope appears to have been replaced. The drum was owned by Frank George Horton who was the son of George Horton. Birthplace Cattaraugus County, New York around 1840 and settled in Illinois. It has descended in the family. Frank George Hor ton enlisted June 2, 1862. Discharged September 27, 1862 at the age of 21. 57th Co. Regiment of Illinois Bols Infantry. He re-enlisted for an unknown period of time afterwards. SIZE: 8-3/4” x 16” w. CONDITION: One split in drum head, generally very good. 9-99813 (300-500) [sale: AMER May 05] $488.00 Lot 155.Also:
CIVIL WAR ERA DECORATED DRUM BY WILLIAM SEMPF, NEW YORK. Circa 1860. Inside label “William Sempf Manufacturer of Base and Snare Drums 209 & 211 Grand St, New York…”. An oval stamp is also inside stating “Dixie White Olaf”. This is located on the drum head. There is a pencil signature next to the label “76 TSU”. Outside of the drum has black decoration to the outside wood bands. Central band decorated with eagle and shield. The outside rope appears to have been replaced. The drum was owned by Frank George Horton who was the son of George Horton. Birthplace Cattaraugus County, New York around 1840 and settled in Illinois. It has descended in the family. Frank George Hor ton enlisted June 2, 1862. Discharged September 27, 1862 at the age of 21. 57th Co. Regiment of Illinois Bols Infantry. He re-enlisted for an unknown period of time afterwards. SIZE: 8-3/4” x 16” w. CONDITION: One split in drum head, generally very good. 9-99813 (500-1,000) [sale: AMER Jan 05] $0.00 (no sale) Lot 1228.
Also:
CIVIL WAR ERA DECORATED DRUM BY WILLIAM SEMPF, NEW YORK. Circa 1860. Inside label “William Sempf Manufacturer of Base and Snare Drums 209 & 211 Grand St, New York…”. An oval stamp is also inside stating “Dixie White Olaf”. This is located on the drum head. There is a pencil signature next to the label “76 TSU”. Outside of the drum has black decoration to the outside wood bands. Central band decorated with eagle and shield. The outside rope appears to have been replaced. The drum was owned by Frank George Horton who was the son of George Horton. Birthplace Cattaraugus County, New York around 1840 and settled in Illinois. It has descended in the family. Frank George Hor ton enlisted June 2, 1862. Discharged September 27, 1862 at the age of 21. 57th Co. Regiment of Illinois Bols Infantry. He re-enlisted for an unknown period of time afterwards. SIZE: 8-3/4” x 16” w. CONDITION: One split in drum head, generally very good. 9-99813 (800-1,200) [sale: Samoset 04] $0.00 (no sale) Lot 545.
-----
MAINE CIVIL WAR PERIOD MILITIA DRUM. A fine example of a mid-19th C. tack decorated maple wood drum made by “M. Woodman”. The drum body is of maple with two varnished maple wood rims. 16-1/2” in diameter. The rims are each 1-1/4” high and the assembled drum stands 15” tall. Visible through the eye hole is its original green paper label reading “M. Woodman, Manufacturer of/DRUMS, of all kinds. Farmington Falls, Me”. Of particular interest is the tack decoration surrounding the eyehole, which forms a Maltese cross or 5th Corps badge. The maple body seam is tacked as well. An excellent, mostly orig, Civil War or earlier drum from Maine. The drum is accompanied by two rosewood drumsticks of the same period as the drum. CONDITION: Excellent. Ropes are replaced but the orig untouched finish of the drum remains. Both of its period heads are intact with the orig snare at the bottom and seven of its eight orig leather adjusters remain. Leather adjusters are dry and flexed. Top head is split about 8-1/4”. Some shrinking and warping. Drumsticks are in good condition with the expected nicks, scratches and wear at the tips. Overall a very nice condition early Maine-made drum. 4-57369 CW111 (400-600) [sale: GUN Fall 05] $891.00 Lot 3477.-----
SNARE DRUM IN CUSTOM MADE BOX. 11-1/2” tall, 16-1/2” diameter. Label inside drum reads “BOSTON DRUM FACTORY, 61 COURT STREET, BOSTON, ELIAS HOWE AGENT”. Drum has restored ropes, heads, and snares. Drum fits nicely in custom box. 4-56227 JS197 (500-1,000) [sale: GUN Fall 05] $1,150.00 Lot 2372.-----
CIVIL WAR REGULATION REGIMENTAL EAGLE DRUM. 15-1/2” tall with 16-1/2” diameter. Painted ribbon reads “__ REG. U.S. INFANTRY” held in beak of painted eagle with patriotic shield. Maker’s label inside reads “MANUFACTURED BY HORSTMANN & BROTHERS & CO. MILITARY FURNISHERS. FIFTH & CHERRY STREETS, PHILADELPHIA”. This is a fine, untouched drum and it would be hard to find a better one. CONDITION: Drum overall very good, all parts appear original. Painting is very good with some crazing. 4-56226 JS179 (4,000-8,000) [sale: GUN Fall 05] $13,225.00 Lot 2371.-----
24” HIGH 26” DIAMETER DRUM.WITH MAKERS LABEL MICHAEL RUPP / Gettysburg, PA. The name Rupp is painted in 3” high letters on the inside of the drum with an owners name of John A Halter . Outside of the drum is painted with a large American eagle.& 13 stars with a banner in gold above the eagle. Label & painted name opposite the view hole below the eagle is partially covered by a heavy canvas repair inside. CONDITION: Bentwood body has a 4” broken area on one side of the iron tacked seam. There are also 5 splits in the same area, one of the 1-1/2” long. One head is good, the other is torn & stained. One end of the banding is broken but both hoops are good, the eagle painting has some worn areas & the shield appears to have some repaint; all leathers appear to be orig. 4-30809 (3,000-4,000) [sale: GUN Spring 07] $2,127.00 Lot 434.-----
CIVIL WAR PAINTED EAGLE SNARE DRUM. 13-1/2” height x 17” in diameter. This is a classic Civil War infantry drum. Originally they were several inches taller but some of these were cut to change the pitch such as this one. This drum appears untouched from its time of use with old rope and tighteners. Painting is untouched. Eagle holds a ribbon in its mouth which says, ”REG. U.S. Infantry.” CONDITION: Drum body is good overall. All tacks are complete. Rims are compressed over body. Both heads are broken but partially intact. Painting appears untouched with scrapes, gouges producing paint losses 4-30364 (3,500-6,500) [sale: GUN Spring 07] $6,900.00 Lot 433.-----
CIVIL WAR PERIOD ROPE-TENSION SNARE DRUM, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS. This is a very nice orig American Civil War, plain-sided, maple, rope-tension snare drum with an orig affixed label for a Boston manufacturer. Drum is 14-1/2” tall x 17-1/4” wide. There are some hand-painted gold letters applied to the exterior of the drum shell, but due to the style of lettering, it is uncertain as to their exact signification. These appear to be “J. H. F.”. Drum has an orig period label affixed to the interior of the drum shell body that has been covered with a clear acid-free sheet as part of the restoration/preservative process. Hand-lettered ink paper label reads “Made by White Brothers / NO. 86 Tremont Street / Boston Mass / 1859”. In American Military Goods, Dealers and Makers, p. 172, the authors show a listing for Ira E. White, Boston drum maker from 1864-1865. This drum was restored (new antiqued ropes) by William Reamer of Lancaster, PA, in 2004, and is marked as such on the interior, “Restored by W. H. Reamer / 5-3-04”. Mr. Reamer is a widely recognized drum manufacturer/restorer. This drum would add period charm and display very nicely in any living space or gun/collection room. CONDITION: Very good as restored. 4-32931 JS266 (450-750) [sale: GUN Fall 07] $920.00 Lot 1455G.-----
PRE-CIVIL WAR NEW HAMPSHIRE ROPE-TENSION SNARE DRUM. This is a very nice, orig, late 1850s-style, American, plain-sided, maple, rope-tension snare drum with an orig affixed label for a well-known Concord, NH manufacturer. Drum is 17-1/4” tall x 16-1/2” wide. There are no decorations painted or otherwise applied to the exterior of the drum shell. It has bright red drum hoops. Drum has on orig period label fixed to the interior of the drum shell body that has been covered with a clear, acid-free sheet as part of the restoration/preservative process. Period printed label reads, “Bass & Tenor Drums / Ebony Drum-Sticks / B & C Fifes / Manufactured / and for sale by / Porter Blanchard / Concord, New-Hampshire”. This drum was restored (new antiqued ropes and leather tighteners, repainted orig hoops) by William Reamer of Lancaster, PA, in 2004, and is marked as such on the interior. This drum would add charm and display very nicely in any living space or gun/collection room. CONDITION: Good. 4-32932 JS267 (700-1,000) [sale: GUN Fall 07] $230.00 Lot 1455F. -----
RESTORED DRUM OF L. B. STRATTON OF THE 89TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. This snare drum, 15” in diameter x 10” tall, was rebuilt and refinished in Oxford, New York in 1918 by Howard C. Bartlett, and is so written inside drum. An orig, Civil War, patriotic label is not easily discernible. Written on top head is “L.B. Stratton/August 4, 1864” along with partial regimental information “89th. . C. (or G.?) Bower (or Bowers?)”. The family who consigned this drum is directly descended from the restorer of the drum, who lived in Oxford, N.Y. Consignor surmises as follows: “According to New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd Ed, by Frederick Phisterer (J.B. Lyon, 1912), the Hon. J.S. Dickinson received authority, August 29, 1861, to recruit a regiment of infantry; this regiment (the 89th) was organized under Col. Harrison S. Fairchild and Lieut.-Col J.C. Robie, at Elmira November 26, 1861, and there mustered in the service of the United States for three years December 4, 5 and 6, 1861. At the expiration of its term of enlistment those entitled thereto were mustered out, and the regiment retained in service. During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 4 officers, 49 enlisted men; of wounds directly received in action, 2 officers, 52 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 1 officer, 158 enlisted men; total, 7 officers, 259 enlisted men; aggregate, 266; of whom 13 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy. The 89th was in siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond from June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865. This encompasses the date inscribed on the drum head (4th Aug 1864). A Gilbert (G.) Bowers, who was a mason, served in Company E of the 89th Regiment. He enlisted at age 43 at Oxford for three years and mustered in as a private on Jan. 4, 1864. He was discharged on May 26, 1865 at Stuart Hospital in Richmond, Va. and filed for a military pension March 25, 1867. The name on the drum that is more legible is L.B. Stratton. We suspect (but have not yet been able to confirm) that this is actually Whitman Stratton, who also served in Company E of the 89th. Whitman Stratton (also Straton), was mustered in as a private in Co. E on October 7, 1861. He was promoted to sergeant (no date available), was discharged on October 7, 1864, and applied for a military pension on July 2, 1890. CONDITION: Very good as restored; slight tear in bottom drum skin.. 4-31591 JS268 (1,000-2,000) [sale: GUN Fall 07] $2,760.00 Lot 1455E. -----
PRE-CIVIL WAR NEW YORK MADE SNARE DRUM. This drum is 14-1/2” tall x 16-1/4” in diameter. Label inside drum reads “Albany Drum Factory, Military and Bass Drums / Made and Sold / by J & H Meacham, No. 104 State Street, Albany”. Wood body is decorated with tacks around vent hole. Drum has been restored, utilizing new ropes and tensioners. Apparent orig heads have been reinforced. This drum would display very nicely and make a fine small table in any living space or gun room. CONDITION: Good as restored. 4-31600 JS269 (450-750) [sale: GUN Fall 07] $270.00 Lot 1455D.-----
REGULATION CIVIL WAR INFANTRY EAGLE DRUM. This regulation eagle drum is 16-1/2” in diameter and 15-1/2” tall. All parts are orig and authentic. Label inside drum reads “C & F Soistmann / Manufacturers of all kinds of drums / No. 458 Dillwyn Street / Philadelphia”. Conrad and Frederick Soistmann are listed as drum makers at this address in 1863. This manufacturer had a contract with the Army in 1864 for 1,000 drums. Painted eagle on this drum is excellent with only minor losses of paint, as can be seen in photograph. Most of the orig tensioners are missing; however, the rope is orig and solid. Bottom head is badly shattered. Top head is solid but warped. This is a beautiful, untouched, Civil War eagle drum that would be hard to upgrade CONDITION: Very good overall as described above. Top rim fits loosely. 8-87530 JS270 (8,000-12,000) [sale: GUN Fall 07] $9,200.00 Lot 1455C.-----
CONFEDERATE MAPLE DRUM. This drum, 12" high x 14" in diameter, is typical of snare drums used by both sides during the Civil War. Drum has repainted red hoops, maple body with numerous defects, not typical of a drum for civilian or Northern military use. This drum has tag opposite vent from the restorer which reads: "Repaired and restored / by / W. H. Reamer / January 1988 / Broomall, PA". Drum is accompanied by pair of period drumsticks. Mr. Michel, in his notes, states, "Drum was found in southern New Jersey and it came from an old GAR post as a 'rebel drum'. At one time there was a tag to that effect which has since been lost". CONDITION: 4-31461 JS62 (1,000-2,000) [sale: GUN Fall 07] $2,300.00 Lot 1215.-----
EARLY BRASS & WOOD DRUM AND DRUM STICKS WITH BOX. Drum having a brass center with wood top and bottom rims. Top having orange paint as well as the bottom. Bottom appears to have orange over blue and red; a clamp tightener on one side. 19th Century. Drum stick box with velvet liner and leather outside covering has original mustard edge highlighting and "Sticks" written on top and bottom. Hasp of the lock marked "Presto Lock Co. USA". Box holding a pair of 16" dark hardwood drumsticks having 2-1/2" brass handles. Also two lighter colored drumsticks with similar brass ends. Contained in a shoulder harness with clip for drum. SIZE: Drum is 13" h x 15" dia. Box is 4-1/4" h x 2" l x 6-1/2" d. CONDITION: Drum intact with drum heads present, some loss to paint. Drumsticks are intact with some damage to brass, leather is dry with minor losses. 9-90840 (800-1,200) [sale: AMER Jan 08] $632.00 Lot 898.-----
LARGE PRE-CIVIL WAR EAGLE DECORATED DRUM. This large period drum in original old paint and decoration features a large wonderful folk art spread-wing eagle with flag and a round wreath of foliate design. Also a second painted spread-wing eagle on the opposite side of the drum. CONDITION: Many of the original leather tensioners are present. Original cord has at some time been replaced with later cord. Drum includes its original leather harness. Skins are intact, but each has a small split. Wooden retainer bands at top and bottom feature the original old red paint; both have age splits, one reinforced with four early handmade raisin-head nails. 4-32241 JJ14 (8,000-12,000) [sale: GUN Spring 08] $0.00 (no sale) Lot 1391.-----
CIVIL WAR ERA NEW YORK MADE DRUM. Eagle and banner decorated regulation infantry drum retaining maker's label on inside: "John F. Stratton Military Drums, 105 East 22nd Street, New York". Drum retains all but one of the leather tighteners, the cord a later replacement. Both at top and bottom have old but possibly not original skins (top with a split along the edge). CONDITION: We do not guarantee how old paint and and eagle is, otherwise generally good condition. 4-32243 JJ16 (4,500-6,500) [sale: GUN Spring 08] $0.00 (no sale) Lot 1390.-----
MAINE-MADE CIVIL WAR ERA DRUM. This eagle-and-shield hand decorated drum is labeled on the interior "John D. McCarthy Drums...Lewiston Maine". The fierce eagle decoration with "E Pluribus Unum" banner in beak, peace branch and arrows in its talons, all on a red, white, and blue shield. Thirteen gold rays and stars are arrayed over the wings. All but one of the original tighteners are present, skin on the top appears original, the bottom one an old replacement. CONDITION: Drum side has a split radiating the entire circumference of the drum, painted eagle is strong, two retaining bands on top and bottom appear to be repainted. 4-32242 JJ15 (5,000-8,000) [sale: GUN Spring 08] $0.00 (no sale) Lot 1389.-----
CIVIL WAR EAGLE DRUM. You are bidding on a beautiful Civil War Eagle Drum about 13" t, 16-1/2" across. A similar painted drum is pictured in Mark Elrod's book, A Pictoral History of Civil War Era Musical Instruments and Military Bands. That drum has a label noting manufacture by Horstmann of PA. This drum is full-sized and not cut down as so many were for later service. Upper head, rope, and leather braces may be restorations, as is usually the case, but now have appropriate age look. Upper rim considerably worn perhaps from too many rim shots where the drummer rests one stick on the rim while he strikes it with the other. Drum still has its original gut snares. The body of the drum is tiger-eye maple. An old coat of varnish has preserved the painting, but has darkened with age. Colors underneath are strikingly vivid worth of professional cleaning. CONDITION: Overall, very good. Top head is restored as are tighteners; otherwise, drum is in as-found condition. Paint is very good and bright with scattered scratches, scrapes, and soiling. Top hoop is broken and separated, but sits on drum well, and does not affect aesthetics. 87566 (7,000-9,000) [sale: GUN Spring 08] $7,475.00 Lot 1388B.-----
CAPTURED CONFEDERATE DRUM. You are bidding on possibly the only confederate used drum ever offered at an auction. We can find no record of another drum with such provenance as this one. Similar identified drums are in institutional collections including, The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond Virginia, and the Atlanta Historical Society. This drum is intact and is in as found condition. Drum is a standard military drum used both North and South; 16" X 14" with about 2" high red painted hoops, a natural wood body with a geometric design, a bone vent hole plug, and orig tied on carrying strap. The drum is consigned by a direct descendant of the soldier who captured this drum and carried it home as a souvenir. There is a 15 line ink inscription on the top head which is no doubt contemporary to the capture of the drum. Because of their bulk, a drum would have been a difficult souvenir for a soldier to obtain, unless he was stationed on a ship such as soldiers fighting at Port Royal, at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where other large souvenirs have known to have been collected. The inscription though worn and weathered, is still mostly discernible as follows. "This drum was found 3 miles from Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C. on the 8th of November 1861, by WM. Car.... the Steward of Steamship Manion. The drum was left in that spot by one of the drummers of the Berry Infantry of ... 7th day of ... Georgia on the named month..... after their defeat in the battle for Port Royal. The drummer ... in the hand during his... was on the drumm...SECESSION DRUM FROM PORT ROYAL, S.C." If you ever wanted a confederate used drum you better buy this one, I doubt another with iron clad provenance will ever turn up. Accompanied by copy of article from Brooklyn, NY newspaper, cs 1948-1950, in which previous owner states, "he wouldn't let anyone play my Civil War Drum...it was given to me by a friend several years ago." CONDITION: Drum appears uncleaned and untolled since the war. Surfaces of heads, hoops, and body have numerous scratches, soiled areas, and scuffs. Drum head has stain marks which could be blood. The two hoops retain most of their orig red paint. Both heads have several age cracks measuring from 1/2" to 2" long. Roping is completely original and intact though worn at high spots. Only one original leather tightener is present and it has contemporary string repair, and is quite fragile. A second retained tightener is made from a loose piece of cloth with a small civil war era buckle. The original drum strap is frayed, but mostly complete though lacking most all of it's leather attachment. The original roller buckle is retained by a safety pin. 4-31692 JS9 (10,000-15,000) [sale: GUN Spring 08] $20,700.00 Lot 1388A.-----
CIVIL WAR ERA AMERICAN MILITARY DRUM. You are bidding on a nice 19th century painted military snare drum. This drum measures 16" across x 13" tall. The painted device is approximately 9" round and depicts an American eagle with patriotic shield with 13 stars. Maker's label inside drum reads, "William Kilborn, successor to George Kilborn, 7 Clinton Ave., Albany, New York." According to old article that accompanies drum, William Kilburn's shop was in business between 1864 to 1869. The article goes on to state that the eagle and shield marked it as a National Guard drum from the Civil War period. The iron patented tightening clips are not typical of the Civil War but we believe were patented in 1864. Regardless this is a nice piece of American folkart. CONDITION: Drum is very good overall, as ropes and tighteners are replaced, as are heads and top head has 3" tear. Red painted hoops have lost a majority of their paint. Maple body of drum has numerous scuffs, scrapes and scratches including scrapes and paint reduction to eagle device as can be seen in photographs. 4-35217 JS37 (2,000-4,000) [sale: Gun Fall 08] $3,162.50 Lot 2499. -----
CIVIL WAR-ERA U.S. INFANTRY DECORATED EAGLE DRUM. This Civil War period labeled drum has a paper label affixed on the interior from Horstmann Brothers & Company of Philadelphia. The drum, with hand-painted eagle decoration on the side, depicts an American eagle with outstretched wings having a shield belly and a banner in its mouth reading “U.S. INFANTRY”. The drum features its original decoration on the side of the drum and much of the original paint decoration on the bands. Both the drum heads and the roping recently replaced in the appropriate and authentic style of the original. SIZE: 16-3/4” dia. X 15”h. CONDITION: Red paint on bands worn and overall wear to decoration on side; most of image still present and strong. 8-87531 JJ (3,000-4,000) [sale: Gun Spring 09] $0.00 (no sale) Lot 2392J.-----
BRASS BODY PRESENTATION DRUM. You are bidding on a brass bodied snare drum that measures 16" x 7-1/2" with decoratively painted red hoops. Brass drums were popular with militia during mid to late 19 century. This drum at one time was silver plated, remnants of silver still can be seen on brass body. Below vent hole is a silver shield 1-1/2" across that reads "Presented to Robert McConahy by Co. H, 15th Regiment NGP July 1876". CONDITION: Drum is intact, both heads have large tears, snare tighteners all intact, painted gilt decorations on hoops are only half there from wear. 39019 JS53 (400-600) [sale: GUN Fall 09] $345.00 Lot 2510. -----
CIVIL WAR TYPE DRUM COMPLETE WITH STICKS. This Civil War style drum is complete with a pair of early walnut drumsticks has a paper label fitted to the interior, which states that it was rebuilt in 1973. The paper label is that of Ralph Eames, master drum maker, Wakefield, MA. It appears the heads were replaced at that time, the ropes and the leather tighteners. SIZE: 13-1/2” high, diameter is. 16-3/4”. CONDITION: Generally good. Peephole appears to have been enlarged at the time it was rebuilt. The top and bottom bands retain what appears to be old red stain. 4-39096 (600-1,200) [sale: GUN Fall 09] $460.00 Lot 2509A.-----
CIVIL WAR ERA REGULATION DRUM WITH STICKS. This Maine made Civil War drum, complete with sticks and early linen shoulder harness, is fitted with an orig paper label, which reads in part “Maine Drums” with an eagle motif and below reads “Wells...” part of the label is missing and not all of the words can be read through the peep hole. Drum has org top bands and old red paint, appears to have all the org period leather tighteners, and the drum heads may be very old replacements. SIZE: 13-1/2” high, diameter is approx. 16-1/4” CONDITION: Generally good, some rubs and scuffs, but generally in very good condition. 4-39097 (1,000-1,500) [sale: GUN Fall 09] $402.50 Lot 2509.-----
BEAUTIFUL CIVIL WAR ERA EAGLE DRUM. You are bidding on a beautiful Civil War era era drum with an unusual painted spread-wing eagle motif with patriotic shield on its chest. The eagle is holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons and five large stars span the area above the eagle's outspread wings. This is a beautiful piece of folk art. Inside the drum is a large paper manufacturer's label stating "Wm. Boucher Jr./No 38 E Baltimore Street/Baltimore, MD". SIZE: 16"w x 16"h. CONDITION: Painting appears natural and untouched and well patinated after all these years. Ropes and tighteners may be original, if not are old replacements. Heads, body and bands appear original.Snare head has a small repaired hole. Rarely find drums with such well executed painted eagles in their orig, unaltered paint. 4-39073 JS80 (6,500-9,500) [sale: GUN Fall 09] $6,612.50 Lot 2508.
The eagles on the Horstmann Brothers and Soistmann drums in this post appear to be identical.
ReplyDeleteWill Chappell
Indeed. I understand that stencils were used to assure uniformity. Also, both manufacturers operated out of Philadelphia, so it makes sense that the designs would be pretty close.
ReplyDeleteEllis Mirsky