Featured here is an Invincible Orchestra Drum by
Charles A. Stromberg of Boston, Massachusetts. Lacking a makers label, the drum cannot be precisely dated but is typical of Stromberg's work during the late 1910s.
The drum is complete and functional and, from a distance, looks to be in good cosmetic condition. Upon closer inspection however the shell shows signs of having been refinished and is significantly faded on one side likely from having been exposed to direct sunlight over a long period of time.
The drum is outfitted with twelve single post tube lugs, slotted tension rods and Stromberg's small two-pronged claws which fit over the three-ply maple counterhoops. The shell is also unusual for the era being formed of three staggered plies. The snare mechanism and butt seen here are a refined version of Stromberg's
1904 patent.
Do you have a drum made by Charles A. Stromberg? I would love to hear about it! Feel free to drop Lee an email at
lee@vinson.net. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit
BostonDrumBuilders.com or follow
@old_boston_drums on instagram.
