As chronicled in earlier posts, this Charles A. Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum, built while at his 40 Sudbury Street address in Boston in the early 1920s, arrived to me in poor condition. Fortunately, most of the flaws were cosmetic in nature and could be remedied. The shell and hoops, which had been crudely refinished, were stripped and refinished with the period correct application - orange shellac. And the hardware, which was previously caked with silver paint, was cleaned to reveal the original nickel plating underneath which was then polished to a shine. The batter side calf skin head was cleaned and reinstalled on the drum. The bottom head is new and had to be tucked onto a specially fitted flesh hoop to accommodate the slightly oversized shell. Below are a few before and after photos followed by detailed shots of the hardware.
Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum Before:
Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum After:
Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum Before:
Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum After:
The hardware was in mostly good condition although the plating on the lugs and claws (which are made from brass or bronze) has faired better than the plating on the strainer and slotted tension rods (which are made from steel) as is to be expected. Notice the patent date of April 5, 1904 stamped into both the strainer and butt plate.
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Do you have a drum made by Charles A. Stromberg? I want to hear from you! Send Lee an email at lee@vinson.net.
