tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19090788391676103162024-03-14T01:48:14.065-04:00Lee's Boston Drum Builders BlogWelcome to Lee's Boston Drum Builders Blog, an extension of <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-84289410058298974212023-06-01T10:30:00.002-04:002023-06-01T10:30:00.130-04:00ca. 1862 John C . Haynes Drum with ProvenanceBoston's <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/haynes" target="_blank"><u>John C. Haynes & Company</u></a> dealt a wide variety of musical instruments including many that were imported or sourced from other makers. Drum building, however, was a central element of their business from the outset. Haynes advertising from the early 1860s commonly promotes their "Massachusetts Drum Manufactory". Makers labels found inside early Haynes drums mirror this wording.
<p>
<center><table><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwHbHzWG4QvsHutWQU1qEuvNehG6Kl-Sl8kNpVoy0Z_elBUpVKOK3dtk08g5hSyz9PdmenE4_nnTSFwVRnFdgmgxXhapkqPCDKL0nte-eABUUhmwTUDkH7p7WaxakitazFAdW_uzCoAvRW1SPzMSQ3hPr58aY1P8FnckHcgGUwf24VhToLCrr-G2D/s1600/Mass%20Drum%20Factory%20%20ad%20from%201863-1864%20Cambridge%20Directory.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwHbHzWG4QvsHutWQU1qEuvNehG6Kl-Sl8kNpVoy0Z_elBUpVKOK3dtk08g5hSyz9PdmenE4_nnTSFwVRnFdgmgxXhapkqPCDKL0nte-eABUUhmwTUDkH7p7WaxakitazFAdW_uzCoAvRW1SPzMSQ3hPr58aY1P8FnckHcgGUwf24VhToLCrr-G2D/s1600/Mass%20Drum%20Factory%20%20ad%20from%201863-1864%20Cambridge%20Directory.jpg"/></a></div></td><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEaFiOaQtogXwta9dUaPY6XwCJdxJwvaFNs_04A8DL6u3Dvvf8dz2or20eGavF-vEnc8FJ6a92OPVN-F_zZL4Icmx3aHHPbF70tOJ1iQJqBtvdxH13646FRxNsy-BQwBfip_DmCe87yT6smcjatvDe0KpgfONxeNAUA-kqmmzxXxAGIUdKfhtEHDV/s1600/IMG_0621.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEaFiOaQtogXwta9dUaPY6XwCJdxJwvaFNs_04A8DL6u3Dvvf8dz2or20eGavF-vEnc8FJ6a92OPVN-F_zZL4Icmx3aHHPbF70tOJ1iQJqBtvdxH13646FRxNsy-BQwBfip_DmCe87yT6smcjatvDe0KpgfONxeNAUA-kqmmzxXxAGIUdKfhtEHDV/s1600/IMG_0621.HEIC"/></a></div></td></tr></table></center>
<p>
Haynes produced a huge quantity of drums during the second half of the 19th century, a majority of which were rope tension drums built around natural colored maple shells with black painted wooden counterhoops - a motif favored by band instrument makers in and around Boston during the later decades of the 1800s. By contrast, drums from the earliest days of Haynes production are typically stained a dark brown color with matching counterhoops. Less common are drums with ornately painted eagle motifs or artwork denoting a particular regiment.
<p>
It is a common misconception that any Haynes drum with a label bearing the address of 33 Court Street dates from the Civil War. While the company was indeed located at this address during the Civil War era, Haynes continued to do business at 33 Court Street until the early 1890s. The drum featured here is presumed to have been produced in 1862 and is typical of Haynes' early period.
<p>
<center><table><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg52yv-Mw_FIoKlzAoluzHcfxSYge1gjW9ufitSmwKDdZ5YJfWK9MCGxCPIV68NrO-q-Tciz1ZytbqEDK_JdfL3NYePI2OWEthpVSYFLrFQfe2RfQSoV2qCi5qs9LlvKzIpbFKSQMnsGMrkwjFjP9q7M1WtEeOnlvTd9bc-DEEhEYKsbjc7fD6rGM/s1600/IMG_0618.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg52yv-Mw_FIoKlzAoluzHcfxSYge1gjW9ufitSmwKDdZ5YJfWK9MCGxCPIV68NrO-q-Tciz1ZytbqEDK_JdfL3NYePI2OWEthpVSYFLrFQfe2RfQSoV2qCi5qs9LlvKzIpbFKSQMnsGMrkwjFjP9q7M1WtEeOnlvTd9bc-DEEhEYKsbjc7fD6rGM/s1600/IMG_0618.HEIC"/></a></div></td><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL7zXybVBZcmIllXfVb1Bd4GZX30EiKfgdnTYdOqlynmhirC7mhCV-pKEbjus8sF6_NYsuacAa7-Z1lngW39tnUSwFlFW7a82-1oLRkQ_g-DQUyBxag9xptEIZs-QslbNOlbcAQJJBec6gLnnCTDGp1Mn_YIM7ekGR52BRB7erxPXf6A987OLIWla/s1600/IMG_0626%203.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL7zXybVBZcmIllXfVb1Bd4GZX30EiKfgdnTYdOqlynmhirC7mhCV-pKEbjus8sF6_NYsuacAa7-Z1lngW39tnUSwFlFW7a82-1oLRkQ_g-DQUyBxag9xptEIZs-QslbNOlbcAQJJBec6gLnnCTDGp1Mn_YIM7ekGR52BRB7erxPXf6A987OLIWla/s1600/IMG_0626%203.heic"/></a></div></td></tr></table></center>
<p>
Acquired from a great, great grandson of the original owner, the drum remained in the family for more than 150 years, its provenance having mostly been lost. No signature or name is anywhere to be found. Aside from a well-preserved makers label, the sole visible markings are the letter "e" and a number "5" written boldly in black ink inside the shell. Only after a good amount of research into military records and family genealogy would the drum begin to reveal its backstory reconnecting it with very specific time and place, and to the soldier who once carried it.
<p>
Ezra Morse was born January 3rd, 1835 in Ashland, Massachusetts where he would spend most of his adult life. On September 27, 1855, he was married to Ellen Lucinda Dadmun, a native of Framingham. Marriage records list Morse's occupation as "farmer". 1860 Census records show Ezra and Ellen with two young children living in the Dadmun household while Ezra worked as a carpenter. The couple would eventually bear six children. On August 28, 1862 Morse enlisted in the Fifth Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry mustering into service on September 16th. He was discharged at Boston on July 2nd, 1863.
<p>
Copious documentation exists on the Fifth Regiment's movements and activities during the Civil War thanks in part to a 1911 publication by the Fifth Regiment Veteran Association. "<u><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Fifth_Regiment_Massachusetts_Volunte.html?id=xBpCAAAAIAAJ" target="_blank">THE FIFTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY IN ITS THREE TOURS OF DUTY 1861, 1862-'63, 1864</a></u>"
by Alfred S. Roe offers several mentions of Morse including a first-hand account of him having been part of the regimental band. This along with other military records identifies Morse as a member of Company E from the Fifth Regiment. This explains the "5" and "e" marked inside of the shell and presumably dates Morse's drum as having been manufactured no later than 1863.
<p>
Following the War, Ezra Morse had a long and successful career as an auctioneer and trader dealing in commodities such as coal, lumber, and wool. He also maintained an active involvement in the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization formed by veterans of the Union forces. Morse was among the forty charter members of Massachusetts' Colonel Prescott Post 18 upon its founding in August of 1867 and later served as Commander (1882) and Adjutant (1910).
<p>
The <a href="https://www.ashlandhistsociety.com" target="_blank"><u>Ashland Historical Society</u></a> has extensive records pertaining to the history of GAR Post 18 including a "Personal War Sketch" signed by Morse. This document brings to light many fascinating details including the names of Morse's "most intimate comrades" during his time in service and chronicles his participation in the march from New Bern to Goldsboro, and battles at Kinston and Whitehall, North Carolina.
<p>
Also in the holdings of the Society is a brass horn attributed to Morse which raises the intriguing possibility that he played multiple instruments or perhaps was not a drummer at all. It could be that one instrument, either the drum or the horn, was his own while the other was kept as a relic. The Ashland Band, which appears to have been closely aligned with Post 18, likely made use of whatever instruments they could find including those leftover from the War. And considering Morse's involvement in the Fifth Regiment, the GAR, and the Ashland Band, instrument sharing seems highly plausible.
<p>
Around the late 1870s, Ezra Morse served for three years as Deputy Sheriff - one of the few tangible pieces of information which had remained with the drum. Morse passed away on November 21st, 1919, outliving his wife by nearly two decades. Following his death, the Morse drum ended up in the possession of Ezra's eldest son, Charles E. Morse (b. 1870 - d. 1941). The drum was acquired from his descendants in the Spring 2022. <br />
<br />
<hr width="80%"><br />
<i><a href="http://www.leevinson.com"><u>W. Lee Vinson</u></a> is a classical percussionist, music educator, and snare drum historian. He is the author of <a href="http://www.BostonDrumBuilders.com"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>, a website devoted to the late 19th and early 20th century drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts.</i> <br />
<br />
<br />percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comBoston, MA, USA42.3600825 -71.0588801-37.40982146569835 148.3161199 90 69.5661199tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-3810822067546007632022-11-01T09:30:00.004-04:002023-10-19T17:15:35.703-04:00The Last of the Master-ModelsBoston's <a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a> manufactured more than 800 <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model Drums</u></a> between the early 1920s and late 1930s. Over nearly two decades of production, many aspects of these instruments evolved making it possible to date most examples with some degree of accuracy. The final generation of Master-Models, those which date from the mid to late 1930s, displays several distinguishing characteristics.
<p>
<center><table><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXTAccDdqp1VcQ5v-CLxK1gINqKeF5RchxRSc666uEV27oqNdzuKpk_SwHQjUEx2D1TLEXO7l45VqO46_h_PFsWPKbAmUVLNxPNJqBtJ8_LyCxDJ7YW6nT6pg9TuzFK1oaPLivXVu_ibwtO-gBBNoxq88-bTqENDQc-QzoY_WWhxUrLpkHvQ9uxdH/s1600/IMG_1462.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXTAccDdqp1VcQ5v-CLxK1gINqKeF5RchxRSc666uEV27oqNdzuKpk_SwHQjUEx2D1TLEXO7l45VqO46_h_PFsWPKbAmUVLNxPNJqBtJ8_LyCxDJ7YW6nT6pg9TuzFK1oaPLivXVu_ibwtO-gBBNoxq88-bTqENDQc-QzoY_WWhxUrLpkHvQ9uxdH/s1600/IMG_1462.jpeg"/></a></div></td><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yZid2etmiAVO9V27m82Q8i4LpGA8KK21EW2kVBDl4jyIE3IlLpWDAghFwA2unIKFYjj3yoxg3PntXTr9B-HLg2eVMqrYkO9TQqCHCjQFvKoPpdvnwyk9wNdL4h-C7k7KLuxqJli8ybY6Y3BgKMIlphAXO8sV0zggM2X2sqFF4edR78DTE0PvIxGY/s1600/IMG_1469.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yZid2etmiAVO9V27m82Q8i4LpGA8KK21EW2kVBDl4jyIE3IlLpWDAghFwA2unIKFYjj3yoxg3PntXTr9B-HLg2eVMqrYkO9TQqCHCjQFvKoPpdvnwyk9wNdL4h-C7k7KLuxqJli8ybY6Y3BgKMIlphAXO8sV0zggM2X2sqFF4edR78DTE0PvIxGY/s1600/IMG_1469.jpeg"/></a></div></td></tr></table></center>
<p>
<b>Serial Numbers and Makers Labels</b>
</p><p>
Master-Model drums dating from the mid to late 1930s have serial numbers in the mid 9000 range. Around serial number 9000, with nearly 700 Master-Models having already been manufactured, Stone ran out of makers labels the style of which had been in use since January of 1922. Rather than having new labels printed, the factory began using up old stock inclduing repair labels. For this reason, drums produced in the 1930s sometimes have labels matching pre-serial number drums from the late 1910s. In cases where repair labels are used in place of makers labels, the wording is often altered using ink stamps or pencil markings.
<center><table><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0Kh4VgxZcLc2Dx9M2dfEpeX7yyjEPda_Tllxhk2LaWJzrgioO22pN3NZ2P2QwP5x2WwwXAZuzopCBQJfohCafWVOKJ5C56kORsxY2b_aCYP3AXafCYBLOBjXBItAT8GD6QOUDGAU_QW1ZigFjI6Ppq3v1zOVN8BUyXys-gDfuuaxeGPzUqOwPp-R/s1600/label_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0Kh4VgxZcLc2Dx9M2dfEpeX7yyjEPda_Tllxhk2LaWJzrgioO22pN3NZ2P2QwP5x2WwwXAZuzopCBQJfohCafWVOKJ5C56kORsxY2b_aCYP3AXafCYBLOBjXBItAT8GD6QOUDGAU_QW1ZigFjI6Ppq3v1zOVN8BUyXys-gDfuuaxeGPzUqOwPp-R/s1600/label_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<font size="1">late 1910s Geo. B. Stone & Son Label</font></td><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJGD4ODEMkeAQflGN5ieybSJI3c2frwC95cmR2GyDB1qmYsmNCSS7asZQUmekgSxkBuTBsBZoJrOlZkG9epHnII20h9rXc4CP4tLBRxfHI_WaieP88Qyxp0yYlYmVNiK13CV2xjrQSFLLBEDgCAjsNkdJQinnCW0qYiSWBNAvFswFZ7PaC7V9fcMA/s1600/label_2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJGD4ODEMkeAQflGN5ieybSJI3c2frwC95cmR2GyDB1qmYsmNCSS7asZQUmekgSxkBuTBsBZoJrOlZkG9epHnII20h9rXc4CP4tLBRxfHI_WaieP88Qyxp0yYlYmVNiK13CV2xjrQSFLLBEDgCAjsNkdJQinnCW0qYiSWBNAvFswFZ7PaC7V9fcMA/s1600/label_2.jpg" /></a></div><font size="1">Geo. B. Stone & Son Label with 1930s Serial Number</font></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAu1_Pr3yl22QBu8yOuL5oHN5vNIKAxOlz7B8kOamN_shxNxPDLIk-jagce9vutR_SQ99MqL8ysaGRro8S1Nyz-CsBI7moMKcnLwT5n3a3hLOs73P04T-04OtmBDzot-yEGtG1SGFb6Ri0Zh0ORWYINxupk8jtnk_romKgUTsaNKux1z2e81e7Pc5/s1600/label_3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAu1_Pr3yl22QBu8yOuL5oHN5vNIKAxOlz7B8kOamN_shxNxPDLIk-jagce9vutR_SQ99MqL8ysaGRro8S1Nyz-CsBI7moMKcnLwT5n3a3hLOs73P04T-04OtmBDzot-yEGtG1SGFb6Ri0Zh0ORWYINxupk8jtnk_romKgUTsaNKux1z2e81e7Pc5/s1600/label_3.jpg"/></a></div><font size="1">Edited Stone & Son Repair Label          image source: <a href="https://reverb.com" target="_blank"><u>Reverb</u></a></font></td><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXq8ickonNW3StpfJjAOjU5aVOH3lcN8VcE4Gh1rDJCDAQEMaXTI-CXzjcf730sYYtNObEb-moX1B9FYhfNKhPkjOHGeaWii2Fd-IErl0rzT0v8axH8O_cpnoMTrmlsHjXTL3GVQZjWv29Fwbb0j_v1zSmBCHb6xHx1_EYoHTQEQHXYWzlZY_wDw9/s1600/label_4.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXq8ickonNW3StpfJjAOjU5aVOH3lcN8VcE4Gh1rDJCDAQEMaXTI-CXzjcf730sYYtNObEb-moX1B9FYhfNKhPkjOHGeaWii2Fd-IErl0rzT0v8axH8O_cpnoMTrmlsHjXTL3GVQZjWv29Fwbb0j_v1zSmBCHb6xHx1_EYoHTQEQHXYWzlZY_wDw9/s1600/label_4.jpg"/></a></div><font size="1">Edited Stone & Son Repair Label</font></td></tr></table></center>
<p>
<b>Washers</b>
</p><p>
Another telltale sign of late production Master-Models is the use of blank oval washers instead of those stamped "STONE & SON / BOSTON MASS". Unstamped washers began appearing on drums with serial numbers in the mid 9500 range.
<center><table><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6uPhrknPrTjXP_QdnycZBHNFc0myei3aB4WLc86JvQQPBZujSwusbcZzxMU8ZLdZFOob9OUJTsxLRU_uZKjrZbZTlzwD1CnwO6qHdpKo1hm204thHp2u92QIW34oaZpLnvLt6JKonjJWhRoX8jGlr-FbcyK72N8G-4EIZWJdF8RPHGsuAENkHbSR/s1600/washer_1.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6uPhrknPrTjXP_QdnycZBHNFc0myei3aB4WLc86JvQQPBZujSwusbcZzxMU8ZLdZFOob9OUJTsxLRU_uZKjrZbZTlzwD1CnwO6qHdpKo1hm204thHp2u92QIW34oaZpLnvLt6JKonjJWhRoX8jGlr-FbcyK72N8G-4EIZWJdF8RPHGsuAENkHbSR/s1600/washer_1.jpeg"/></a></div>early 1920s - mid 1930s</td><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiNy4ub-dP13aW7NatTAx9sWYf9KRsmIHneunY8R2duRoDtZQsPAWi1GAERfTEqDUkMewOjzYyDvumv-zsnTJX798tP4bgb9nmMJRhaChMQG6N-JXxpH6MBoeG0IzX7q8fokhUL4c3U6XRhk_KaGtHgYz5S5I0eVWGa5V9IBIkDG8_BtB5ouuzD5t/s1600/washer_2.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiNy4ub-dP13aW7NatTAx9sWYf9KRsmIHneunY8R2duRoDtZQsPAWi1GAERfTEqDUkMewOjzYyDvumv-zsnTJX798tP4bgb9nmMJRhaChMQG6N-JXxpH6MBoeG0IzX7q8fokhUL4c3U6XRhk_KaGtHgYz5S5I0eVWGa5V9IBIkDG8_BtB5ouuzD5t/s1600/washer_2.jpeg"/></a></div>mid to late 1930s</td></tr></table></center>
<p>
<b>Leedy Tone Controls</b>
</p><p>Often mistaken for an aftermarket addition, factory installed Leedy tone controls are common on Master-Model drums of the mid to late 1930s. Stone's use of tone controls roughly coincides with the introduction of blank washers on drums with serial numbers in the mid 9500 range.
<p>
<b>Ten Lug Configurations</b>
<p>
The use of ten tenioners per head, as opposed to twelve, becomes common on extremely late production Master-Models with serial numbers in the 9600 range. Ten lug models account for only the last few dozen drums manufactured around the late 1930s.
<p>
<center><table><tr><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q8sA7ItY0LeK-WjrHprVGtyCtIr-ocGOP6JRtaHhLvPaxlxRgAGPBSDjfjDL1luBa4vXmK7_4L6s6C0roCCIq8J5huNBvxjQKYHqFH8hSRcDiGX2mXIowtruRVvsVJh7sWw4JpXLIRpE7kGl8liVLvXpXHDPmKKtF6ivaXUXLWrpTsbmcT837Ubk/s1600/tone_control.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q8sA7ItY0LeK-WjrHprVGtyCtIr-ocGOP6JRtaHhLvPaxlxRgAGPBSDjfjDL1luBa4vXmK7_4L6s6C0roCCIq8J5huNBvxjQKYHqFH8hSRcDiGX2mXIowtruRVvsVJh7sWw4JpXLIRpE7kGl8liVLvXpXHDPmKKtF6ivaXUXLWrpTsbmcT837Ubk/s1600/tone_control.jpg"/></a></div><td align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB6leJDaWCDmoCFiqJP-qqjAqlEkrhgVGUvJ8nGWV8GZaKOrfrVOvIQUA1Ey1SPWQK_JOAS0tMbyCzA0yAdDVATT5JQo7crDtbiJJ_wdueuTZxDsMuKjWnsqIDihgdn6mcrJTi4A_brftdXUqoLDQ2ikqtOFSjJy1SiOFvGrUXQIS6N0zPSu5_8v5/s1600/ten_lug.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB6leJDaWCDmoCFiqJP-qqjAqlEkrhgVGUvJ8nGWV8GZaKOrfrVOvIQUA1Ey1SPWQK_JOAS0tMbyCzA0yAdDVATT5JQo7crDtbiJJ_wdueuTZxDsMuKjWnsqIDihgdn6mcrJTi4A_brftdXUqoLDQ2ikqtOFSjJy1SiOFvGrUXQIS6N0zPSu5_8v5/s1600/ten_lug.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table></center>
<b>Other Characteristics</b>
<p>
Though not exclusive to the final generation of Master-Models, later examples are more likely to feature pyralin wrapped finishes, deeper shell sizes and chrome plated hardware. <b>Wrapped finishes</b> are included in Stone & Son pricelists as early as 1928 and begin appearing on drums with serial numbers in the low 8000s. <b>Chrome plating</b>, which is not mentioned in Stone & Son's 1932 pricelist, does appear as an option in <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2019/05/stones-last-catalog.html"><u>Booklet "L"</u></a> published around 1935 suggesting this became an option sometime in the early-mid 1930s. <b>Deeper shell sizes</b> begin appearing on Master-Model drums with serial numbers in the mid 8000 range. Despite being cataloged in only one size (initially 5 1/4" x 14" and later 5"x14") deeper drums account for about 10% of Master-Models produced.
<p>
Do you have a Stone & Master-Model? I would love to hear from you! Feel free to drop Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Master-Model"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-54691722176172395822022-10-01T09:30:00.056-04:002023-10-19T17:14:47.677-04:00J. B. Treat Drum, ca. 1879<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/02/joseph-b-treat-drummer.html"><u>Joseph B. Treat</u></a> was a well-known drummer and drum maker in Boston during the mid to late 19th century. A native of Connecticut, Treat arrived in Massachusetts by 1860 and briefly served as a drummer in Boston's <a href="https://archive.org/details/independentcorps00gore/page/n7/mode/2up" target="_blank"><u>Independent Corps of Cadets</u></a> during the Civil War. A musician by vocation, he worked extensively in the musical instrument trade as well. Treat's most recognizable work as a maker was for <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/thompson-odell"><u>Thompson & Odell</u></a> during the 1880s and early 1890s.
<p>
<p>
Through much of the 1860s and 1870s, directory listings place Treat at addresses corresponding to the workplace of <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2014/09/who-was-w-white.html"><u>Asa Warren White</u></a> suggesting that Treat worked alongside or was employed by White during these years. Signed makers labels offer further evidence that the two men were affiliated in some capacity well into the 1870s though they diverged shortly thereafter. Directories list Treat independently under 'Musical Instrument Makers' in 1879, and both Treat and White are absent from the Boston Business Directory in 1880 before reappearing at separate addresses the following year. Beginning in 1881 Treat's place work was 177 Washington Street confirming that he was by then employed by Thompson & Odell.
<p>
Treat likely produced the drum seen here during the narrow window of time after leaving White's shop, before landing at Thompson & Odell.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tUuqcVxObUUs7GmPQzET0tt94Wy0vvECucVlReyBltOB0kRildalMx23BFbsHN2KchZ9as9tboxnvaYnx6b21pCkgWS99mq3OWGXLHsbVxGYkZgTihs9cSILV_Tr1hj7to81R3RFRhXKFyoKpi7s7BVUsAfa_LFzveNORw_9Q0KLAcYgLjbmJiI6/s1600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_10-30-30AM.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="ca. 1879 J. B. Treat Drum" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tUuqcVxObUUs7GmPQzET0tt94Wy0vvECucVlReyBltOB0kRildalMx23BFbsHN2KchZ9as9tboxnvaYnx6b21pCkgWS99mq3OWGXLHsbVxGYkZgTihs9cSILV_Tr1hj7to81R3RFRhXKFyoKpi7s7BVUsAfa_LFzveNORw_9Q0KLAcYgLjbmJiI6/s600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_10-30-30AM.HEIC"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JwAtXmN88F9-GaPR1EUEhTRvpTktXNagliPPJY-FUBNmbctpoFjqzfC_Mg9z-bYd6EoDdrM_siD_PRZ0XBQm_hhBPkQzYT-ewUYUK8m7q2mnxVN46cAj_8sEUGwNs3pit1LwMIJPM_xWuPhQ7hYPEuUVP50YmzK-tlqMiP0In1m9rpccJ3g1XsU2/s1600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_10-24-40AM.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="ca. 1879 J. B. Treat Drum Label" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JwAtXmN88F9-GaPR1EUEhTRvpTktXNagliPPJY-FUBNmbctpoFjqzfC_Mg9z-bYd6EoDdrM_siD_PRZ0XBQm_hhBPkQzYT-ewUYUK8m7q2mnxVN46cAj_8sEUGwNs3pit1LwMIJPM_xWuPhQ7hYPEuUVP50YmzK-tlqMiP0In1m9rpccJ3g1XsU2/s600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_10-24-40AM.HEIC"/></a></div></td></table>
A large makers label inside the drum reads: "CIRCULAR / Having located at 50 Bromfield Street, Room 24, I am prepared to furnish Drums of any, and all descriptions, of the best materials throughout, also Rodger's Drum Heads, and Drum Findings of all descriptions, at the lowest possible prices. / Uniform sets of Drums, for Corps, made at the shortest notice. Old Drums remodelled and repaired in the best manner. / J. B. TREAT, / 50 BROMFIELD ST., ROOM 24 / I invite my old friends and customers to / "CALL ROUND." / Pin this up in the Band Room."
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nH9AYfIR59249QaGQEueDeDqeJKL91VdZre35ly-rE1zjOLEprAeMqbtg0RHIo1EmYe3yPljJPBrJ4XT5u4owKHSIBnzy86WdoZY4XoESQgduTWEI18S9qXO1P8j3-MMUemxLRkkfqefprsTcJLKGWwSIqg7sZyRACILayr6Ahx_CvQGWBFWrYoZ/s1600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_06-06-04PM.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="ca. 1879 J. B. Treat Drum" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nH9AYfIR59249QaGQEueDeDqeJKL91VdZre35ly-rE1zjOLEprAeMqbtg0RHIo1EmYe3yPljJPBrJ4XT5u4owKHSIBnzy86WdoZY4XoESQgduTWEI18S9qXO1P8j3-MMUemxLRkkfqefprsTcJLKGWwSIqg7sZyRACILayr6Ahx_CvQGWBFWrYoZ/s600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_06-06-04PM.HEIC"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCkKEjLg-sxVzQeeYY7qb60dcjvdsKN3uRPPMQPKQfR2OnA7FWDW00TH1WjIYmRa6xljFI_i4RkxYZWftBNLSdh0S1LWHCuXisUMes-gVRWmNXNkpsQAlFoLz1VOrKNogM-Ymj9YZNPBIYh5JV5CjqGu_RCtZ4rdVS6un92hmYZhWkFmN5kxn1Oie/s1600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_06-06-04PM%202.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="ca. 1879 J. B. Treat Drum" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCkKEjLg-sxVzQeeYY7qb60dcjvdsKN3uRPPMQPKQfR2OnA7FWDW00TH1WjIYmRa6xljFI_i4RkxYZWftBNLSdh0S1LWHCuXisUMes-gVRWmNXNkpsQAlFoLz1VOrKNogM-Ymj9YZNPBIYh5JV5CjqGu_RCtZ4rdVS6un92hmYZhWkFmN5kxn1Oie/s600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_06-06-04PM%202.HEIC"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The drum is straightforward in construction, typical of military style drums manufactured in Boston during the decades following the Civil War. Formed from a single ply of maple, the shell is held at the seam by a line of small brass tacks. Slightly unusual is the orientation of the air vent and snare beds which are often placed further around the shell from the seam.
<p>
Do you have a drum made by J. B. Treat? I would love to hear from you! Email Lee anytime at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=J.%20B.%20Treat%20Drum"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-57719136498405724912022-09-01T09:30:00.013-04:002023-10-19T17:14:20.465-04:001912 George B. Stone & Son Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra DrumBoston's <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a> manufactured a vast number of single tension, <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2021/05/stone-special-thumbscrew-rod-orchestra.html"><u>thunmbscrew rod drums</u></a> during the early decades of the 1900s. The paper label inside of this example is date stamped March 1912, roughly a decade before the company reached its zenith.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uSH6cdIuuLskpro1levuZhwATlarXqMRmuGELouAeLUkAl3KvxDOwqrFatX_nLCN4HnIuWZD3btm29YgT3arh6D59Ej6ojbq_KnfJ9Ui56w00NWtHYwKFKPvng-sCO2sCm3havAhJPITO70JxPfWOyqtnc_C_NV_qFGv6RT8RlGEM_pR9_l22_Es/s1600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_10-40-12AM.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1912 George B. Stone & Son Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra Drum" border="0" width="800" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uSH6cdIuuLskpro1levuZhwATlarXqMRmuGELouAeLUkAl3KvxDOwqrFatX_nLCN4HnIuWZD3btm29YgT3arh6D59Ej6ojbq_KnfJ9Ui56w00NWtHYwKFKPvng-sCO2sCm3havAhJPITO70JxPfWOyqtnc_C_NV_qFGv6RT8RlGEM_pR9_l22_Es/s600/eZy%20Watermark_19-07-2022_10-40-12AM.HEIC"/></a></div>
Of special interest here is the extremely shallow shell measuring only two inces in depth. The rosewood grommet is cleverly recessed into the shell to prevent it from obstructing the flesh hoops as the heads are tightened.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ndBa6c_5-svgZ1Uk5dZjljE4FJjl8S9dCnK40bnwc86rcAJuNfQFJmCNmN8wmhzVkfI27E7Bhw_E6inpPGpjQdfJaXLRua2XzWJSl77BvVcZvV76oZDpt8qFI9ZkRpkiFcyFm0cxDheSVbNdOKJtKRXV-UK1H-Tt8v-zJY2-wag-o1dqkfFS3oj/s1600/IMG_0537.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1912 George B. Stone & Son Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ndBa6c_5-svgZ1Uk5dZjljE4FJjl8S9dCnK40bnwc86rcAJuNfQFJmCNmN8wmhzVkfI27E7Bhw_E6inpPGpjQdfJaXLRua2XzWJSl77BvVcZvV76oZDpt8qFI9ZkRpkiFcyFm0cxDheSVbNdOKJtKRXV-UK1H-Tt8v-zJY2-wag-o1dqkfFS3oj/s1600/IMG_0537.jpeg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBqXfNlO6Y6w5R820SLOK0NPwm9BdlnfgQDxxQDWZFLRbr-GnzTS102sOgTAat7sx4iTpABnzVBrdjTzlEny64y-Vw1J_c9FMAX3TADpNjIeKIpG8oKSGypiTUBCdis2mxgBlxODo8lt97TXQSciAfDkdykz2feuDBnPe6xMm60qxKDlEytPIe_qc/s1600/IMG_0538.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1912 George B. Stone & Son Drum Label" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBqXfNlO6Y6w5R820SLOK0NPwm9BdlnfgQDxxQDWZFLRbr-GnzTS102sOgTAat7sx4iTpABnzVBrdjTzlEny64y-Vw1J_c9FMAX3TADpNjIeKIpG8oKSGypiTUBCdis2mxgBlxODo8lt97TXQSciAfDkdykz2feuDBnPe6xMm60qxKDlEytPIe_qc/s1600/IMG_0538.jpeg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
An early version of the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html"><u>Stone Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler</u></a> is stamped with the inventor's name rather than "Stone" which is common on later examples. As is often the case, the original arm has broken off and gone missing. The original 'flexible waterproof woven' snares, however, remain intact.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuV9O1Jk9Yp3Bl8msAKkJVf1fGMBrHzrp6DkGY7yVtCOSxitTE_Mda7qNLUFv-B-HHP6ul45GS1FNB7ThSraMkqOimIpOMXQGtvuByLbhikzppIoFfS6mqIyeKpumrFBkc5437bgmbh-YN8nO5WDzG44RuGVqCWHrcqoWmIOGbRsoZfrHsO-nLXpsJ/s1600/IMG_0539.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="McIntosh Snare Mechanism" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuV9O1Jk9Yp3Bl8msAKkJVf1fGMBrHzrp6DkGY7yVtCOSxitTE_Mda7qNLUFv-B-HHP6ul45GS1FNB7ThSraMkqOimIpOMXQGtvuByLbhikzppIoFfS6mqIyeKpumrFBkc5437bgmbh-YN8nO5WDzG44RuGVqCWHrcqoWmIOGbRsoZfrHsO-nLXpsJ/s1600/IMG_0539.jpeg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-XuweQspWFOqe6uOdBbvWlnyNfvx77ZUUnmAW4Bg0UlnUtMnH0Gka6Ct79iM7ibECby_Rhm1pmUgQTCeTNhO2BS9zTegZUTS-Nd6VTSB9yXfnAAEPFfgW-Hlv4j4AMcQzcq1wkcTAgc1E8r4Oq7wLGqoqYDmHeQLsgNimYZToPN6urZ22OPG9mnA/s1600/IMG_0540.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1912 George B. Stone & Son Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-XuweQspWFOqe6uOdBbvWlnyNfvx77ZUUnmAW4Bg0UlnUtMnH0Gka6Ct79iM7ibECby_Rhm1pmUgQTCeTNhO2BS9zTegZUTS-Nd6VTSB9yXfnAAEPFfgW-Hlv4j4AMcQzcq1wkcTAgc1E8r4Oq7wLGqoqYDmHeQLsgNimYZToPN6urZ22OPG9mnA/s1600/IMG_0540.jpeg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Do you have a Stone & Son drum? I would love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on George B. Stone & Son and the other turn of the century Boston-based drum makers, please visit <a href="http://BostonDrumBuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow us on Instagram: <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u>.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-16104165914338664102022-08-01T09:30:00.005-04:002023-10-19T17:13:23.657-04:001921 Harry A. Bower Drum<a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/bower"><u>Harry Augustus Bower</u></a> (1866 - 1948) was a prolific theater drummer, Vaudeville performer, xylophone soloist, method book author, teacher and inventor with more than a dozen patents to his name. His most prolific period as a maker was during the late 1910s and early 1920s before relocating to Southern California in 1924. The drum featured here is dated February 14, 1921.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFvr-_JGTQk0aRQphEV0bu4nW1nM3Q77N-BV9FOxw2tsraBiF5F9vs6t0jfTR7_SUxDB_71ZADmkCdcZhvf4S4NdQRT-LMVMpldvtod-Li_VHQn-d6pE_AGvHDsQG-0Y_kjql7IqIchgwqoEpCEF11k5-CxnE93RZPC1LUfwrvqPVeYa2otk0gQtA/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1921 Harry A. Bower Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFvr-_JGTQk0aRQphEV0bu4nW1nM3Q77N-BV9FOxw2tsraBiF5F9vs6t0jfTR7_SUxDB_71ZADmkCdcZhvf4S4NdQRT-LMVMpldvtod-Li_VHQn-d6pE_AGvHDsQG-0Y_kjql7IqIchgwqoEpCEF11k5-CxnE93RZPC1LUfwrvqPVeYa2otk0gQtA/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg"/></a></div>
Many of Bower's instruments were eccentric even for their time. In particular, the use of a frame mounted snare system and tubular counterhoops which doubled as flesh hoops were unique to Bower drums.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUczVP-SZZEbm2nzCkojNSUpW9INkyWf6z_q6y6jS8Yh-28eMM9m4u3lGtIhiwVgSv3VVjQvzJ5NPFy5iGPyXd6tXLsjm8dUjvyKBfI7aUIR7vBreA7c52mkYDi7uOyyF7C4qhR5JMvZSuBxVNwMREFcklugTjFVm-0aoEcGh4otp3rCVVw9siVZk/s1600/IMG_0530.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1921 Harry A. Bower Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUczVP-SZZEbm2nzCkojNSUpW9INkyWf6z_q6y6jS8Yh-28eMM9m4u3lGtIhiwVgSv3VVjQvzJ5NPFy5iGPyXd6tXLsjm8dUjvyKBfI7aUIR7vBreA7c52mkYDi7uOyyF7C4qhR5JMvZSuBxVNwMREFcklugTjFVm-0aoEcGh4otp3rCVVw9siVZk/s1600/IMG_0530.heic"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEymr210yC-wipnecPTMLDYvchG1t8C2s4tKMSWXQzwwpm9TcAS4smeYNz-I0B2NHw5_G5B5DdRLYWNX933Go3HDLnSYqIJ-Pgb_-Z_5f-YXTq7TRWLRtXyEt2zhQjbqh3JmOfb7lV12DgQe6qv0ZbzjDodo_8bLc1mnitfUa6tAmDz1dG7AZdvml/s1600/IMG_0531.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1921 Harry A. Bower Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEymr210yC-wipnecPTMLDYvchG1t8C2s4tKMSWXQzwwpm9TcAS4smeYNz-I0B2NHw5_G5B5DdRLYWNX933Go3HDLnSYqIJ-Pgb_-Z_5f-YXTq7TRWLRtXyEt2zhQjbqh3JmOfb7lV12DgQe6qv0ZbzjDodo_8bLc1mnitfUa6tAmDz1dG7AZdvml/s1600/IMG_0531.heic"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Many variables exist between one Bower drum and the next as the maker was constantly editing and evolving his own inventions. This example is formed around a figured maple shell with metal bands lining the bearing edges. A finely turned rosewood grommet adorns the air vent and an oversized makers label is applied inside of the drum.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX_k7W0WERArw3uqEs59cswszbR0slPLZe6W6ckSZJsTel8iKd9_YGqT1HbsP1TSg8MrMhiJVQw7b5Q5YqkLzDzvGtrwRLXlKApJ3jCPSG1F1vK7azIbmzcWOIIZHdJt9wVCEy6qJUkF67cmCpFnQ7SCUY5QJtijdHSl8Z1Po3R-NT2nYP-amTFmX/s1600/IMG_0526.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1921 Harry A. Bower Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX_k7W0WERArw3uqEs59cswszbR0slPLZe6W6ckSZJsTel8iKd9_YGqT1HbsP1TSg8MrMhiJVQw7b5Q5YqkLzDzvGtrwRLXlKApJ3jCPSG1F1vK7azIbmzcWOIIZHdJt9wVCEy6qJUkF67cmCpFnQ7SCUY5QJtijdHSl8Z1Po3R-NT2nYP-amTFmX/s1600/IMG_0526.heic"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPEIoHk0VxW8EEPXhuxi7U8JGHEAE448yhyJvUaRJVdxjmGPdEIsnhTRSl9ay_eQhl_76VH5jJnXnc0UAdl28Spo14G-uR5twvQnTlOoW3uIKT80Ab53lYK3HIoEGAv18uNZzqt0SaqI9QUzsyLzw1Ap-sRUxNf2czmc6Tw5Jvf4JaT2Ly0L6NTYd/s1600/IMG_0488.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Harry A. Bower Drum Label" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPEIoHk0VxW8EEPXhuxi7U8JGHEAE448yhyJvUaRJVdxjmGPdEIsnhTRSl9ay_eQhl_76VH5jJnXnc0UAdl28Spo14G-uR5twvQnTlOoW3uIKT80Ab53lYK3HIoEGAv18uNZzqt0SaqI9QUzsyLzw1Ap-sRUxNf2czmc6Tw5Jvf4JaT2Ly0L6NTYd/s1600/IMG_0488.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Most Bower drum shells have no snare beds instead relying on the snare frame to keep the wires in contact with the bottom drum head. In this case, however, the shell has deeply cut beds which dictate that either the strainer or butt must be oriented directly underneath the badge. This must have been intentional on the makers part and probably explains why many Bower drums have conspicuously dented badges where the strainer often rests against the shell when engaged.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vGvYyTjqpw7bxpyInGyistJS1KVwL_l20rT_EY2sxoqlz2PDSAGpLV3GHq17Im9MsInLfR-1ob07ygTiBLAbSL_AXGiCFYMPAyk2wUd567FVtj7GUVDpv6QOkYH8dGPuT6_koSSbGSu3Ex1m1sArC-229IvYiNg6mxK1O3xvMjvclDFZHWzlGzHb/s1600/IMG_0527.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1921 Harry A. Bower Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vGvYyTjqpw7bxpyInGyistJS1KVwL_l20rT_EY2sxoqlz2PDSAGpLV3GHq17Im9MsInLfR-1ob07ygTiBLAbSL_AXGiCFYMPAyk2wUd567FVtj7GUVDpv6QOkYH8dGPuT6_koSSbGSu3Ex1m1sArC-229IvYiNg6mxK1O3xvMjvclDFZHWzlGzHb/s1600/IMG_0527.heic"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC4ZGtD7LgbbDtAy7Eo4UYzW2nd__MK4FeSVMpXRkN4aRDa8_CGLZEz7t46JiZG6uRMTV5JtMGdlaJT4plAtpCxhwfnXa4JxuX9UHFJPd88CM3YXe5rMMVJYGUS3AhDi8XEUA0t96QKazFxYGFe98RLJ3A-0RgjNKkRAun30VaKBh8BKeX-52vRTQ/s1600/IMG_0528.heic" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1921 Harry A. Bower Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC4ZGtD7LgbbDtAy7Eo4UYzW2nd__MK4FeSVMpXRkN4aRDa8_CGLZEz7t46JiZG6uRMTV5JtMGdlaJT4plAtpCxhwfnXa4JxuX9UHFJPd88CM3YXe5rMMVJYGUS3AhDi8XEUA0t96QKazFxYGFe98RLJ3A-0RgjNKkRAun30VaKBh8BKeX-52vRTQ/s1600/IMG_0528.heic"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Do you have a Bower drum? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-78731047497210730832021-12-01T10:00:00.003-05:002023-10-19T17:00:23.158-04:001922 George. B. Stone & Son "All-Weather Drum"First advertised in 1922 as the "All-Weather Drum", <a href="BostonDrumBuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a>'s newly introduced flagship snare drum was renamed the "<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model Drum</u></a>" later that year. Described as a "Combination Dance and Theater Model", the All-Weather Drum was initially offered in only one size, 5 1/4" x 14". The example shown here dating from August of 1922 precedes the adoption of the Master-Model name.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3Jf_RqBQkY/YVx_j-LuEBI/AAAAAAAADyg/aDsFo8v6sasCRCunWPFaau5cXzzUFg1qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1922 Geo. B. Stone & Son All-Weather Drum" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3Jf_RqBQkY/YVx_j-LuEBI/AAAAAAAADyg/aDsFo8v6sasCRCunWPFaau5cXzzUFg1qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_1.jpg"/></a></div>
There are several characteristics of the All-Weather Drum which distinguish it from the vast majority of the more than 800 Master-Models produced from the early 1920s through the late 1930s. The earliest shells such as this one are formed from single-ply maple with a series of four reinfircing rings which span the entire depth of the shell. By mid-1923 this design would give way a 3-ply, 5/8" thick maple shell which was used on all Master-Models and <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2021/02/the-george-b-stone-son-separate-tension.html"><u>Separate Tension Orchestra Drums</u></a> moving forward.
<p>
<table border=0><tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnSGQ6qT-aU/WFyUzYXS6QI/AAAAAAAABAM/UrkZFSutLcUk-I8Krj8h8UVtHkxUIaDcgCLcB/s1600/stone_ad_SEP_1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnSGQ6qT-aU/WFyUzYXS6QI/AAAAAAAABAM/UrkZFSutLcUk-I8Krj8h8UVtHkxUIaDcgCLcB/s1600/stone_ad_SEP_1922.jpg" width="400" height="293" alt="Geo. B. Stone Advertisement, September 1922" /></a><br />
<center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Advertisement, September 1922</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScbJYPS2sB0/WFyU95JHqBI/AAAAAAAABAQ/5gwOTdzkQ8YFPuBKmXVy2jia51vECOWmwCLcB/s1600/stone_ad_DEC_1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScbJYPS2sB0/WFyU95JHqBI/AAAAAAAABAQ/5gwOTdzkQ8YFPuBKmXVy2jia51vECOWmwCLcB/s1600/stone_ad_DEC_1922.jpg" width="400" height="293" alt="Geo. B. Stone Advertisement, December 1922" /></a><br />
<center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Advertisement, December 1922</i></center></font></td></tr>
</table><br />
Most Stone drums of this era feature a metal badge affixed to the batter side counterhoop. Interestingly, while this drum has a makers label with a strong date stamp and serial number, it has no badge. This is likely because Stone was in the process of changing over from an older version to a newer badge which included lettering noting their recent incopration. Also, the Master-Model specific badges installed on most examples had not yet been introduced. While there are pencil markings present inside of the shell and underneath the counterhoops, they are not consistent with the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/07/stone-master-model-dating-guide-part-ii.html"><u>numbering system</u></a> later used by Stone to keep track of the total number of Master-Model drums produced.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ZDYVDyCGY/YV5fMG-VsOI/AAAAAAAADzU/-Fc6FKVtBjMUEbXQCCA9dRgzu0Ty4Vq7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Antique George B. Stone & Son All-Weather Drum" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ZDYVDyCGY/YV5fMG-VsOI/AAAAAAAADzU/-Fc6FKVtBjMUEbXQCCA9dRgzu0Ty4Vq7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_3.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iblKX295c1c/YV5fS-3kfjI/AAAAAAAADzY/KlpZ0QGkNt08eXqUm598xvfivyky4LM3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1922 Geo. B. Stone & Son Makers Label" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iblKX295c1c/YV5fS-3kfjI/AAAAAAAADzY/KlpZ0QGkNt08eXqUm598xvfivyky4LM3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_2.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The drum features an elongated, inverted version of <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2019/07/who-was-william-f-mcintosh.html"><u>William F. McIntosh</u></a>'s <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html"><u>Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler</u></a> which was standard on all Master-Model drums. The butt end seen here is patented design by <a href="bostondrumbuilders.com/stromberg" target="_blank"><u>Charles A. Stromberg</u></a> which was used on Master-Model drums until about 1925.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhjvR-08oWA/YV5g_sAABJI/AAAAAAAADzk/wOpbrkxjnf8L880_oqrIArnpJyHSP0TbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_4.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhjvR-08oWA/YV5g_sAABJI/AAAAAAAADzk/wOpbrkxjnf8L880_oqrIArnpJyHSP0TbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_4.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8o_toN3WxnQ/YV5hFapaIHI/AAAAAAAADzo/PRaByBKzBEYKqRqjwS4YXu76vpJ816k_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_5.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Charles A. Stromberg Snare Anchor" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8o_toN3WxnQ/YV5hFapaIHI/AAAAAAAADzo/PRaByBKzBEYKqRqjwS4YXu76vpJ816k_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_all-weather_drum_5.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Do you have a drum made by Geo. B. Stone & Son? I would love to hear about it! Feel free to drop Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-89544088563142303212021-11-01T10:00:00.003-04:002023-10-19T17:00:08.869-04:00Nokes & Nicolai All Metal Drum, ca. late 1910sBoston's <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/nokes-nicolai"><u>Nokes & Nicolai</u></a> succeeded the <a href="bostondrumbuilders.com/dodge" target="_blank">F. E. Dodge Company</a> in 1912 and operated until 1926 when they merged with string instrument maker Joseph Pancheco and the Liberty Rawhide Company of Chicago, Illinois to form the Liberty Musical Instrument Company. Nokes & Nicolai's primary metal shell snare drum offering, the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2016/08/ca-late-1910s-no-nic-all-metal-drum.html"><u>No-Nic All Metal Drum</u></a>, was introduced sometime in the mid to late 1910s and was produced into the mid 1920s.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKhBCfVAOYg/YV-bsSzF0wI/AAAAAAAAD0M/UjtDfqaHnZs1VHc1WZ63N7cTbJ-yPrxKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="ca. late 1910s Nokes & Nicolai All Metal Drum" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKhBCfVAOYg/YV-bsSzF0wI/AAAAAAAAD0M/UjtDfqaHnZs1VHc1WZ63N7cTbJ-yPrxKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_1.jpg"/></a></div>
No-Nic All Metal Drums are easily recognizable by their 1/8" thick aluminum shells, star shaped vent hole configuration, and logo stamped shell and hoops. Most examples are buffed to a high shine and then lacquered. This particular drum sports a black painted shell and faux gold hardware.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIDjpazwm_k/YV-vCv0wffI/AAAAAAAAD0o/JOtUtAAZlYEjShp6BCPRBQh-EjTJkcnwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Antique Nokes & Nicolai Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIDjpazwm_k/YV-vCv0wffI/AAAAAAAAD0o/JOtUtAAZlYEjShp6BCPRBQh-EjTJkcnwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_2.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPdU_cRAGkg/YWnR7oOAjRI/AAAAAAAAD1E/WvG2J7zV9R8kuBf8IGrYlB-O7cN7j_woQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Nokes & Nicolai, Boston, Mass" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPdU_cRAGkg/YWnR7oOAjRI/AAAAAAAAD1E/WvG2J7zV9R8kuBf8IGrYlB-O7cN7j_woQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_3.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Nokes & Nicolai's All Metal Drums, as well as their <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/03/nokes-nicolai-separate-tension-drum.html"><u>Separate Tension Orchestra Drums</u></a>, are tuned by way of twelve separate tension lugs which are adjusted at the side of the drum using a wrench. Stamped metal hooks attach over the counterhoops and hold free-floating swivel nuts into which the tension rods feed. The posts are formed from milled brass and allow the rods to turn freely. Tight fitting stamped metal caps cover the posts providing a more finished appearance while keeping the rods in place when not under tension.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILwWKPBqNTM/YV-0CD8nNGI/AAAAAAAAD04/XrOamxYB00calHuXkgJO6c2-3p7WEHbawCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_6.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Nokes & Nicolai American Drummer No. 5, ca. 1913" border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILwWKPBqNTM/YV-0CD8nNGI/AAAAAAAAD04/XrOamxYB00calHuXkgJO6c2-3p7WEHbawCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_6.jpg"/></a></div><center><font size="1">Nokes & Nicolai <i>American Drummer No. 5</i>, ca. 1913</center></font>
<p>
The snare mechanism present here is an evolved version of Dodge's "Combined Snare Strainer and Muffler". The original design
(for which a patent was applied but apparently never granted) used a thin lever to engague and disengague the snares. Nokes & Nicolai's updated version used a thin metal tab positioned at the top of the mechanism to switch the snares on and off. Despite evolutions in other areas of drum making, a more modern snare butt never arrived at Nokes & Nicolai. The wires are held in place opposite of the strainer by a simple snare anchor. <table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrHZZmcYzS0/YV-Kqsp0boI/AAAAAAAADz8/I1zpByL8ka4ayWLgKeNf05EwuiUp7xpBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_4.jpg"><img alt="Nokes & Nicolai Snare Mechanism" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrHZZmcYzS0/YV-Kqsp0boI/AAAAAAAADz8/I1zpByL8ka4ayWLgKeNf05EwuiUp7xpBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_4.jpg"/></a></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb0akMEXRu0/YV-K6Mjjr_I/AAAAAAAAD0E/lTK3Qc8x_Rk9HyHRcWFgXYCFZkq3H_19QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_5.jpg"><img alt="Nokes & Nicolai Snare Anchor" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb0akMEXRu0/YV-K6Mjjr_I/AAAAAAAAD0E/lTK3Qc8x_Rk9HyHRcWFgXYCFZkq3H_19QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/No-Nic_All_Metal_blog_5.jpg"/></a></td></tr></table>
<P>
Do you have an drum made by Nokes & Nicolai? I would love to see it! Feel free to send Lee an email anytime at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-11001064644582700212021-10-01T10:00:00.017-04:002023-10-19T16:59:18.971-04:00ca. 1890s Blair & Baldwin Orchestra DrumSnare drums of the late 1800s were only beginning to evolve towards the more standardized insturments of 20th century. Some of the earliest steps along this path of transformation can bee seen in this circa 1890s drum attributed to Boston's <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2017/04/blair-baldwin-practical-drum-makers.html"><u>Blair & Baldwin</u></a>.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju6ZHwezEEM/YVUgNgx0HhI/AAAAAAAADxw/H5E8Zl0RNNciuatGdmuIEOX5DTtuC_XyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1890s blair & baldwin snare drum" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju6ZHwezEEM/YVUgNgx0HhI/AAAAAAAADxw/H5E8Zl0RNNciuatGdmuIEOX5DTtuC_XyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_1.jpg"/></a></div>
Though the makers label has faded to the point it can no longer be read, the lower counterhoop bears Blair & Baldwin's distinctive semicircular snare gate which was used later by their succesor, the <a href="www.bostondrumbuilders.com/dodge" target="_blank"><u>F. E. Dodge Company</u></a>, and Dodge's succesors <a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com/nokes&nicolai.html"><u>Nokes & Nicolai</u></a>. The drum also features a prominent "BB" imprint inside of the shell which presumably stands for "Blair & Baldwin".
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7tspeFHb8/YVUh2D3LW8I/AAAAAAAADx4/eUOqHYGz1-IfAIRMg_alyBLMvcQNyGfLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="blair & baldwin snare drum shell" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7tspeFHb8/YVUh2D3LW8I/AAAAAAAADx4/eUOqHYGz1-IfAIRMg_alyBLMvcQNyGfLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_2.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9wYxsHokBc/YVUh9k5u61I/AAAAAAAADx8/fSp21dT0tYENhJOgq391uEzGfNPZ2ShxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="antique blair & baldwin drum shell" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9wYxsHokBc/YVUh9k5u61I/AAAAAAAADx8/fSp21dT0tYENhJOgq391uEzGfNPZ2ShxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_3.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The drum is formed around a single-ply, birds-eye maple shell with solid reinforcing rings. The shallow shell depth is a subtle forshadowing of the orchestra drums made in Boston during very early 1900s. Tensioning is accomplished via twelve <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/10/prussian-drums.html"><u>prussian style rods</u></a>, common in the 1880s and 1890s, and the snares are adjusted using a traditional snare strainer.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FNWLXb4mTw/YVUiX3fwYvI/AAAAAAAADyI/4CnLnHP3IYQMPs0O74OjxdJ_RG_zeJJtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_5.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="19th century snare drum strainer" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FNWLXb4mTw/YVUiX3fwYvI/AAAAAAAADyI/4CnLnHP3IYQMPs0O74OjxdJ_RG_zeJJtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_5.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjlzepwL4fc/YVUiiGVCLJI/AAAAAAAADyM/dF4AzN4EgEsp8WPVFb7kO54ibfKkz442QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_4.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="antique blair & baldwin drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjlzepwL4fc/YVUiiGVCLJI/AAAAAAAADyM/dF4AzN4EgEsp8WPVFb7kO54ibfKkz442QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blair_and_baldwin_4.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Do you have a drum made by Blair & Baldwin? I would love to see it! Feel free to drop Lee a note at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-24562776766033720932021-09-01T10:00:00.171-04:002024-03-11T11:11:35.615-04:00Early 1900s F. E. Dodge Street DrumPreserving collector grade instruments is one way to honor Boston's drum building past. Another is to recondition and revive survivng examples as playable musical instruments giving voice to those makers who have been lost to time. The early 1900s <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/dodge" target="_blank"><u>F. E. Dodge</u></a> Street Drum seen here is a case of the latter.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6CH6bXTeCo/YSRINv05THI/AAAAAAAADv4/ir2D6CXX25QrhOgmBI_q-cnpx-1jbKDYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1900s F. E. Dodge Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6CH6bXTeCo/YSRINv05THI/AAAAAAAADv4/ir2D6CXX25QrhOgmBI_q-cnpx-1jbKDYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_1.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfOJpl0MJXM/YSRIR1Fnt9I/AAAAAAAADv8/BU4ykmmmKE8gLbNOpFOiWF-IRQGZacc9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="F. E. Dodge Drum Label" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfOJpl0MJXM/YSRIR1Fnt9I/AAAAAAAADv8/BU4ykmmmKE8gLbNOpFOiWF-IRQGZacc9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_2.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Upon arrival, this drum was nothing but a shell. Bruised and crudely refinished, there was little remaining value from a collector standpoint other than the large makers label inside. Eventually a suitible conglomerate of parts was sourced and the drum was pieced back together breathing new life into a drum which had been silent for decades.
<p>
<table><tr><td><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOU3H1Dos0M/YSRKVZPG7RI/AAAAAAAADwI/hPu1GaUGMlY6j5pqZwhNRo6JtvXsAwOuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_3.jpg"><img alt="Rope Drum Ear" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOU3H1Dos0M/YSRKVZPG7RI/AAAAAAAADwI/hPu1GaUGMlY6j5pqZwhNRo6JtvXsAwOuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_3.jpg"/></a><i> </center></td><td><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxHWXtrGjaE/YSRKh974V8I/AAAAAAAADwM/fYZoy5VwKGcTOW4s4usVhanfbAWJjM_YACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1907_dodge_catalog_42.jpg"><img alt="Rope Drum Ear photo from 1907 Dodge Drum Catalog" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxHWXtrGjaE/YSRKh974V8I/AAAAAAAADwM/fYZoy5VwKGcTOW4s4usVhanfbAWJjM_YACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1907_dodge_catalog_42.jpg"/></a><i>photo: <a href="http://vintagedrumguide.com" target="_blank"><u>VintageDrumGuide.com</u></i></a></center></td></tr></table>
<p>
<a href="http://www.cooperman.com" target="_blank"><u>Cooperman Fife and Drums</u></a> supplied the leather ears which were then stamped and stained to emulate those typically seen on drums by Dodge and others in Boston around the late 19th and early 20th century. (See above photo from the <a href="http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/my_collection_dodge_catalog.html" target="_blank"><u>1907 Dodge catalog</u></a>.) <u>Calderwood Percussion</u><a href="https://www.calderwoodpercussion.com" target="_blank"></a> supplied the faux hemp rope which provides the strength of modern synthetic rope while giving the visual impression of period correct materials. And the wooden counterhoops and calfskin batter head were taken from a donor drum built many years ago by <a href="http://www.eamesdrumshells.com" target="_blank"><u>Eames Drum Shells</u></a>. The finishng touch, a custom lathed wooden grommet, was made up by <a href="http://chrismattoon.com" target="_blank"><u>Mattoon Drums and Percussion</u></a>.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh13SrjfCHQ/YSRrBORXtFI/AAAAAAAADwY/MfEgNGcseb0Sh_dZuMTc9wR32ac99c2JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_4.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="McIntosh Snare Strainer" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh13SrjfCHQ/YSRrBORXtFI/AAAAAAAADwY/MfEgNGcseb0Sh_dZuMTc9wR32ac99c2JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dodge_street_drum_4.jpg"/></center></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4SeFnRPM4g/YSRrI8EZdoI/AAAAAAAADwc/qtWFLKm0wTUkL4PM0yL4rGmujTaZ5ki9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bcatalog%2BK%2B-%2Bpage%2B56.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="McIntosh Snare Strainer and Muffler as pictured in Stone Catalog K" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4SeFnRPM4g/YSRrI8EZdoI/AAAAAAAADwc/qtWFLKm0wTUkL4PM0yL4rGmujTaZ5ki9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bcatalog%2BK%2B-%2Bpage%2B56.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The hoop mounted snare mechanism is not one originally found on Dodge drums but is an intriguing bit of history in itself. Clearly this is an example of the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html"><u>snare strainer and muffler</u></a> designed by <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2019/07/who-was-william-f-mcintosh.html"><u>William F. McIntosh</u></a>, but there are several inconsistancies between this version and the one typically seen on McIntosh's own drums and those by <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a> who used it widely through the 1910s and 1920s. The most obvious difference is the coarse, unbuffed exterior which is devoid of plating. The version present here also shows no signs of having ever had a lever installed.
<p>
Do you have an drum made by the F. E. Dodge Company? I would love to see it! Feel free to send Lee an email anytime at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-56663032565108773872021-08-01T10:30:00.001-04:002021-08-01T10:30:00.297-04:00Not a Master-ModelYou can't judge a book by its cover. And in this case, you can't judge a drum by its badge. Regardless of what it says, this is not a Master-Model.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8UyBhWYTbk/YOO-Dkoo-XI/AAAAAAAADt0/f_Cc29WYMAwl9W41kgXhfRQ9KXWXNgJ5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8UyBhWYTbk/YOO-Dkoo-XI/AAAAAAAADt0/f_Cc29WYMAwl9W41kgXhfRQ9KXWXNgJ5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog1.jpg"/></a></div>
The mid-1930s were a time of resourcefulness and transition for Boston's <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a>. With vaudeville theaters converting over to movie houses and the Great Depression taking it's toll, George Lawrence Stone began pouring more energy into teaching and gradually moved away from manufacturing.
<p>
It was during this period that Stone & Son mailed out their <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2019/05/stones-last-catalog.html"><u>last known catalog</u></a>, a sixteen-page, black and white booklet of recycled photographs illustrating a significantly stripped down product line. The iconic <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model drum</u></a> is still spotlighted on the cover and in the opening pages, and several varieties of military drums are also offered, but no Master-Model field drum is mentioned. Serial numbers in the 9300 range are known to have been in use in late 1935 meaning that the drum seen here was likely produced in 1936 - the same year 'Booklet L' was distrubuted. <table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gS3ZhduS1i0/YOO_pqdHIcI/AAAAAAAADt8/2ctMTU8OIDMC6zI2GmnG58tLowwkbUm-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gS3ZhduS1i0/YOO_pqdHIcI/AAAAAAAADt8/2ctMTU8OIDMC6zI2GmnG58tLowwkbUm-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog2.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTQAJOdEXLs/YOO_uZ_SDSI/AAAAAAAADuA/zYNI-xV0yMoHDWaG8jt-og4A-qC4M9EWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTQAJOdEXLs/YOO_uZ_SDSI/AAAAAAAADuA/zYNI-xV0yMoHDWaG8jt-og4A-qC4M9EWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog3.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The drum is simple in construction featuring a thin, single ply maple shell with three reinforcing rings - one at each edge and a third underneath the tuning rod posts. The single-ply maple counterhoops and single tension thumbrods are virtually unchanged from those used two decades earlier. While single tension tuning systems and wooden counterhoops would remain in use into the mid 20th century, they were often indicative of lower priced models. Professional level drums dating from the same era commonly utilized separate tension tube lugs and metal counterhoops, features which had been in use since the 1920s.
<p>
Rather then evolve, Stone continued to equip drums with the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html">'<u>Stone Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler</u>'</a> patented in 1909 by <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2019/07/who-was-william-f-mcintosh.html"><u>William F. McIntosh</u></a>. As is typical for Stone, the snares are held in place opposite the strainer by a simple anchor. More advanced snare mechanisms were certainly available by the mid 1930s, but Stone's decision not to modernize is again evident here. But the most obvious indication of where this instrument fits within the timeline of Stone's manufacturing prowess is the use of a Master-Model badge on a drum which is clearly NOT a Master-Model. <table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dZCyqDimxw/YOO_yTnVtcI/AAAAAAAADuE/36BHx1vwtPMQ8t0rY-bKn50H7opFkrP5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog4.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dZCyqDimxw/YOO_yTnVtcI/AAAAAAAADuE/36BHx1vwtPMQ8t0rY-bKn50H7opFkrP5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog4.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVXzjnbPbr8/YOO_2MKDtmI/AAAAAAAADuI/GKmbsXrA4m0w1mAcQiWmqVCFtz0ZxVtSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog5.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVXzjnbPbr8/YOO_2MKDtmI/AAAAAAAADuI/GKmbsXrA4m0w1mAcQiWmqVCFtz0ZxVtSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/blog5.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Do you have a drum made by Geo. B. Stone & Son? I would love to hear about it! Feel free to drop Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-7186318177160975232021-07-01T10:30:00.007-04:002021-07-01T10:30:00.253-04:00Who was I. E. White?Boston native Ira Erving White (1839 - 1914) operated a musical instrument repair and manufacturing business for most of his life. Long overshadowed by his better-known father, Ira Johnson White (1813-1895), and uncle, <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2014/09/who-was-w-white.html"><u>Asa Warren White</u></a> (1826-1894), very little has been written about Ira Erving.
<p>
The extent of Ira Erving White's training is unclear but he surely recieved an introduction to the trade from his large, musically inclined extended family. During Ira Erving's adolescent and teenage years, his father and uncle operated as "White Brothers" dealing in a wide range of musical instruments including drums but focused especially on stringed instruments. Ira Johnson and Asa Warren are best remembered as New England's earliest <a href="https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/cozio-carteggio/ira-and-asa-warren-white/"><u>master violin makers</u></a>.
<p>
The White Brothers storefront was known as the "Tremont Temple Music Store" as can be seen in advertising from the early 1850s. After 1863, Asa Warren continued alone at 86 Tremont Street later partnering with Louis P. Goullaud around 1870. The store would ultimately be succeeded by <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/thompson-odell"><u>Thompson & Odell</u></a> in 1876 with Asa Warren relocating to 50 Bromfield Street.
<center><table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAovyYDERg8/YBTnQfGvIkI/AAAAAAAADh4/PeuTHLV-tlkX1ZiBN4AxesvegTlqJuEDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/White_Brothers_ad.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1853 White Brothers Ad" border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAovyYDERg8/YBTnQfGvIkI/AAAAAAAADh4/PeuTHLV-tlkX1ZiBN4AxesvegTlqJuEDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/White_Brothers_ad.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>1853 White Brothers Ad from Dwight's Journal of Music</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1eWk0HOg4w/YL7jlF2eREI/AAAAAAAADr8/2AL2I_82X7gnP9VXwpVjpvZ_PgCh4jSMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/a_w_white_label.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="A. W. White makers label, ca. 1863 - 1870" border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1eWk0HOg4w/YL7jlF2eREI/AAAAAAAADr8/2AL2I_82X7gnP9VXwpVjpvZ_PgCh4jSMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/a_w_white_label.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>A. W. White makers label, ca. 1863 - 1870</i></center></font></td></tr></table></center><p>
As for Ira Erving's assumed involvement in the family busines, the 1855 Census shows him working as a musical instrument maker when he was just 16 years old. Five years later, the 1860 Census lists his occupation more concisely as "music store". But perhaps the best evidence linking Ira Erving to White Brothers are directory listings showing him as a musician at 86 Tremont in 1861, and at 25 Tremont Temple in 1863 - the same address as his father and uncle's music store. By 1864, Ira Johnson departed White Brothers and Ira Erving, at age 24, opened his own shop at 83 Sudbury where directory listings describe him as a drum manufacturer.
<br />
<center><table><tr><td><font size="5" color="555555">By 1864, at the age of 24, Ira Erving White had opened his own shop at 83 Sudbury Street in Boston where directory listings describe him as a drum manufacturer. <hr></font></td></tr>
</table></center><br />
If Ira Johnson and Asa Warren were more consumed with string instruments, Ira Erving may have learned drum making from others. <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/02/joseph-b-treat-drummer.html"><u>Joseph B. Treat</u></a> is thought to have worked for Asa Warren White in the 1860s and 1870s and shares a common address of 86 Tremont with A. W. White as early as 1863. Another little-known drum maker, George E. Rogers, is also listed at 86 Tremont Street in 1863. The Civil War era was a prosperous time for drum manufacturing and by starting his own business Ira Erving White was meeting a need for military drums while filling a void in the market left behind by the dissolution of White Brothers.
<p>
Ira Erving White married Sarah Isabella Pearl in 1861 and by 1871 was residing in Wakefield, MA. Save for a brief absence during the early 1870s, Boston directories list White's business at 83 Sudbury Street well into the 1880s sometimes appearing under the name "Irving E. White". A simple explanation for the alternative name could be that he went by his middle name "Erving" in order to avoid confusion with his father Ira Johnson. (His Uncle Asa reportedly went by his middle name "Warren".) A less plausible thoery, offered by Christine Merrick Ayars' <a href="https://archive.org/details/contributionstoa00ayar" target="_blank"><u>Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston, 1640-1936</u></a>, posits that "Irving E." was Ira Erving's cousin. But "Irving" and "Ira" never appear in the same directory and the full name "Irving" appears only in the personal listings and never in the business listings which always use the initials "I. E. White". Further, no one by the name "Irving E. White" can be found in the White family tree.
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7waAB0tAJI8/YGObvhoLUXI/AAAAAAAADnI/2zMNB6zNpDg5f9deZE79OjBhOlHQKmlZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/I_E_White_drum_small.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="I. E. White Drum, ca. 1870s" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7waAB0tAJI8/YGObvhoLUXI/AAAAAAAADnI/2zMNB6zNpDg5f9deZE79OjBhOlHQKmlZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/I_E_White_drum_small.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>I. E. White Drum, ca. 1870s</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGYXN4eAKrU/YGOb03NOJAI/AAAAAAAADnM/x_iD93uhKw8LvUme-tPTgFrc9wZQDY5BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/I_E_White_label_small.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="I. E. White makers label, ca. 1870s" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGYXN4eAKrU/YGOb03NOJAI/AAAAAAAADnM/x_iD93uhKw8LvUme-tPTgFrc9wZQDY5BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/I_E_White_label_small.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>I. E. White makers label, ca. 1870s</i></center></font></td></tr></table><p>
Across more than five decades Ira Erving White built and repaired a wide variety of musical instruments but seems to have focused a considerable amount attention on drums. For much of the 1870s and 1880s, directories describe White's line of work as "drums and musical instruments" suggesting that drums in fact accounted for a major segment of his business during the middle part of his career. Yet considering how long White was active, very few surviving examples of his work have been documented. This raises the possibility that some of his manufacturing was done on contract for music stores who then applied their own labels. It could also be that repair work took up the bulk of White's time while his manufacturing efforts were less prolific. And, especially in his younger days, White was likely dividing time between performing and running his shop.
<p>
Around 1887 White relocated to 48 Hanover Street where he remained through the late 1890s. From 1900 through 1904 White was listed at 144 Friend Street and in 1905 the Boston Diretory places him at 15 Marshall Street. Beginning in 1906 White is listed at 44 Merrimac Street where he remained until he last appears in 1909. Apparently having never fully retired, Ira E. White was advertised as a musical instrument maker in the Wakefield Directory as late as 1913, a year before his death in 1914.<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-hlHyRb1ik/YKqBre4MY5I/AAAAAAAADp8/hnZOlmvXuaUfHYrY1tqyFQPv_DlFVE4GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1888%2Bwhite%2Bad.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1887 Advertisement from Gatcomb's Banjo and Guitar Gazette" border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-hlHyRb1ik/YKqBre4MY5I/AAAAAAAADp8/hnZOlmvXuaUfHYrY1tqyFQPv_DlFVE4GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1888%2Bwhite%2Bad.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>Gatcomb's Banjo and Guitar Gazette - January 1888</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY_M_D8Kxl0/YKqB4L0-pLI/AAAAAAAADqA/2I98pXRKR4oy2qbvRmaeccmiqVnAG2iWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1887%2Bwhite%2Bclassified.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1887 Classified Ad from The Boston Globe" border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY_M_D8Kxl0/YKqB4L0-pLI/AAAAAAAADqA/2I98pXRKR4oy2qbvRmaeccmiqVnAG2iWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1887%2Bwhite%2Bclassified.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>Boston Globe - July 20, 1887</i></center></font></td></tr></table>
<p>
A short death notice printed in the Boston Globe described White as "a well-known Boston musician and member of the old Boston Brass Band, Gilmore's Band and the Boston Cadet Band." A more humanizing obituary ran in the Boston Herald on Friday, February 13th, 1914 (which mispells his middle name and gives the wrong middle initial for his widow) and reads as follows:
<p>
<table border="0"><tr> <td bgcolor="#dddddd" width="1"></td> <td width="10"></td> <td bgcolor="#F4F4F4"><p>Ira Irving White, for many years a manufacturer of musical instruments and former member of several Boston bands, died yesterday at his home on Spring street in the Boyntonville district of Wakefield as the result of a shock. He was 74 years old.<p> Mr. White was born in Boston but made Wakefield his home for 43 years. In earlier years he had belonged to the Boston Brass Band, the Cadet Band and Gilmore's Band. He belonged to the Unitarian church of Melrose and was a great nature lover. In his later years he devoted himself to the cultivation of flowers and plants.<p> He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Sarah J. White, and by four children, George E. and Louise G. White, and Mrs. Clara I. Haskell, all of Wakefield, and Mrs. Sarah E. Wilmarth of Jamaica Plain.</td></tr></table><br />
<br />
<hr width="80%"><br />
<i><a href="http://www.leevinson.com"><u>W. Lee Vinson</u></a> is a classical percussionist, music educator, and snare drum historian. He is the author of <a href="http://www.BostonDrumBuilders.com"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>, a website devoted to the late 19th and early 20th century drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts. Lee can be contacted by email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?subject=Ditson&20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-91099195819559923012021-06-01T10:30:00.002-04:002021-08-30T23:15:10.310-04:00Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum, ca. late 1910s Featured here is an Invincible Orchestra Drum by <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stromberg"><u>Charles A. Stromberg</u></a> of Boston, Massachusetts. Lacking a makers label, the drum cannot be precisely dated but is typical of Stromberg's work during the late 1910s.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TPlBYY3T9Y/YJrg1QXl61I/AAAAAAAADpI/Jl3F5GFmsYEqr5rjmJ-kDUeKaRMA7uiHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_drum_large.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1910s Charles A. Stromberg Invincible Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TPlBYY3T9Y/YJrg1QXl61I/AAAAAAAADpI/Jl3F5GFmsYEqr5rjmJ-kDUeKaRMA7uiHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_drum_large.jpg"/></a></div>
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.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzypwAmdfek/YLEnYtL6i7I/AAAAAAAADrA/hIQQ2qyNrJEiitqJTcbgTX3e_tH6u3mSACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_shell.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1910s Stromberg Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzypwAmdfek/YLEnYtL6i7I/AAAAAAAADrA/hIQQ2qyNrJEiitqJTcbgTX3e_tH6u3mSACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_shell.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRcq_Nphr4c/YLEnenKP2sI/AAAAAAAADrE/-tTZCuNeQNsFJ11pk_L2ZphEprYvlrywQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_badge.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stromberg Snare Drum Badge" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRcq_Nphr4c/YLEnenKP2sI/AAAAAAAADrE/-tTZCuNeQNsFJ11pk_L2ZphEprYvlrywQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_badge.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
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 <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US756730A/en" target="_blank"><u>1904 patent</u></a>.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwUF3U_8F2M/YJrhOXkyybI/AAAAAAAADpQ/R2KylXA4YMAuGF7Co1c2nG0wSDRmqNC9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_drum_strainer.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stromberg Snare Drum Strainer" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwUF3U_8F2M/YJrhOXkyybI/AAAAAAAADpQ/R2KylXA4YMAuGF7Co1c2nG0wSDRmqNC9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_drum_strainer.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ur9HbQuXSdk/YJrhZGlG8YI/AAAAAAAADpU/2S3TnNyCKVgaGLonmJ_RCxML9cynJx9gACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_drum_butt.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stromberg Snare Drum Butt" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ur9HbQuXSdk/YJrhZGlG8YI/AAAAAAAADpU/2S3TnNyCKVgaGLonmJ_RCxML9cynJx9gACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stromberg_drum_butt.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
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 <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stromberg%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century snare drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts please visit <a href="www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u> on instagram.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-27767730094755131352021-05-01T10:00:00.036-04:002021-05-19T15:57:03.481-04:00Stone Special Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra Drum, early 1910sBefore separate tension snare drums became widely accepted in New England, single tension drums ruled the market. Highly common during the 1910s, particularly in the early part of the decade, were thumbscrew models such as the orchestra drum seen here from Boston's <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a>.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-truBqUQ74JM/YGDuEcFTQqI/AAAAAAAADmc/hLaVj-UbLjweH6EIeqea14tW8sB41Jm-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1910s George B. Stone Thumbscrew Rod Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-truBqUQ74JM/YGDuEcFTQqI/AAAAAAAADmc/hLaVj-UbLjweH6EIeqea14tW8sB41Jm-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfxsRbydIZ4/YGDt-uJQptI/AAAAAAAADmY/zvwLxEx9h5ozXMfc3JzkAhnimI6xRL8CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bcatalog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1910s George B. Stone & Son Drum Catalog" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfxsRbydIZ4/YGDt-uJQptI/AAAAAAAADmY/zvwLxEx9h5ozXMfc3JzkAhnimI6xRL8CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bcatalog.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The debate between single tension and separate tension was very much an open one around the time this drum was munufactured. George Burt Stone discussed the matter in a <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2016/02/a-word-about-separate-tension-by-george.html"><u>1913 column for Jacobs' Orchestra Monthly</u></a> and evidently found his own article relevant enough to republish it in George B. Stone & Son "Catalog H" (ca. 1915). Previously, Stone "Catalog G" (ca. 1912) lead off with the "Stone Special" Thumbscrew Rod Drum indicating its signifigance within the Stone product line.
<p>
Further inspection of Stone & Son's early catalogs reveal that badges first appeared around the mid 1910s. This characteristic, in addition to the early <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html"><u>McIntosh strainer</u></a> stamped with the inventor's name rather than Stone's, helps date this example to the early 1910s. A leather snare anchor holds the snare wires in place against the bottom counterhoop opposite of the strainer.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6xrbtx2d8g/YGDu2xuRVTI/AAAAAAAADmo/6vn_XZidEUIYQgLNgjbLgFQ0SywIHLl6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bstrainer.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1910s Geo. B. Stone Snare Strainer" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6xrbtx2d8g/YGDu2xuRVTI/AAAAAAAADmo/6vn_XZidEUIYQgLNgjbLgFQ0SywIHLl6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bstrainer.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LVhkPhETaQ/YGDu8cejPCI/AAAAAAAADms/9JwZcyzl5HsQbNSx6m_zoinAjuWxMOsBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bbutt.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1910s Geo. B. Stone Snare Anchor" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LVhkPhETaQ/YGDu8cejPCI/AAAAAAAADms/9JwZcyzl5HsQbNSx6m_zoinAjuWxMOsBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bbutt.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The single-ply maple counterhoops employed here feature a stained outer face recalling a motif often seen on <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2017/10/ca-1880s-john-c-haynes-co-prussian-drum.html"><u>late 19th century drums</u></a> produced in and around Boston. This look gradually fell out of favor with Stone and others instead opting to use matching colored hoops and shells. A rapid move toward metal counterhoops followed, an evolution which Stone never embraced.
<p>
A diminutive makers label, not much larger than a postage stamp, is visible inside the drum. A larger label would not have fit inside the 3" deep, one-ply maple shell.
<p>
Upon arrival, the drum was outfitted with a Geo. B. Stone & Son 'Special Transparent' snare side head, a style last offered in Stone Catalog I (ca. 1919). Unfortunatly the head was split beyond repair, so a new skin was tucked onto the existing flesh hoop.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqGREPuqoMc/X_otI7a8TQI/AAAAAAAADZ0/0JfHOkMMceUBbq2EvuZKOHKxrw6SxjC2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Blabel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1910s Geo. B. Stone Drum Label" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqGREPuqoMc/X_otI7a8TQI/AAAAAAAADZ0/0JfHOkMMceUBbq2EvuZKOHKxrw6SxjC2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Blabel.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwJ9Pb9lVyI/X_otvdTzMbI/AAAAAAAADZ8/mz3yuLiJrRMPjBKVyNZqLimR3PVom3kiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bhead%2Blogo.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1910s Geo. B. Stone & Son Drum Head" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwJ9Pb9lVyI/X_otvdTzMbI/AAAAAAAADZ8/mz3yuLiJrRMPjBKVyNZqLimR3PVom3kiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bhead%2Blogo.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
The drum is unfortunately highly out of round and when found was missing several tension rods and claws but is otherwise complete and in very good condition. A classy but simple overall appearance is offset by a polished rosewood grommet adorning the airvent.
<p>
The original 'flexible waterproof woven' snare wires are intact and in excellent working order. The sound achieved is something brighter than traditional gut, but darker and drier than coiled wire.
<p>
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdA6RxKIrSY/YITQeq60SGI/AAAAAAAADoY/qTQbM-R4WxccUmRqY8b1JwOEvKtl5ONIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bgrommet.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1910s Geo. B. Stone & Son Snare Drum Grommet" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdA6RxKIrSY/YITQeq60SGI/AAAAAAAADoY/qTQbM-R4WxccUmRqY8b1JwOEvKtl5ONIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bgrommet.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnhHKKeaKY0/YITQoPhdXHI/AAAAAAAADoc/ZPOH5aE3dscuMxIErk5AY0EUrAhT3GBMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bsnares.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Early 1910s Geo. B. Stone & Son Flexible Waterproof Woven Snare Wires" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnhHKKeaKY0/YITQoPhdXHI/AAAAAAAADoc/ZPOH5aE3dscuMxIErk5AY0EUrAhT3GBMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone%2Bthumbscrew%2Bsnares.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
<p>
Do you have a Stone & Son drum? I would love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on George B. Stone & Son and the other turn of the century Boston-based drum makers, please visit <a href="BostonDrumBuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow us on Instagram: <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u>.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-35612177445176241292021-04-01T10:00:00.012-04:002021-06-07T15:47:01.498-04:001921 Harry A. Bower Snare DrumOne hundred years ago today this <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/bower"><u>Harry A. Bower</u></a> snare drum was individually numbered and dated. Handwriting found inside the shell reads "Apr 1/21". The oversized makers label humbly states:
<p>
The "BOWER" Drum / TRADE MARK / The "BOWER" DRUM is a new creation. Invented and manufactured by the world's authority on drums and drumming, and the author and publisher of the "Harry A. Bower System." / No. 577 / Harry A. Bower / Boston, MA"
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpbwAVr-RGU/YF08McWIbTI/AAAAAAAADlk/0FKKuxt5g5Y9frPA2zcXZg7TYpuPjYWbACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_a.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpbwAVr-RGU/YF08McWIbTI/AAAAAAAADlk/0FKKuxt5g5Y9frPA2zcXZg7TYpuPjYWbACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_a.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTugXLC9dwQ/YF08RG9aoUI/AAAAAAAADlo/mMHP5QdKL40bopjrQONesnEO7LuHUj2dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_b.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTugXLC9dwQ/YF08RG9aoUI/AAAAAAAADlo/mMHP5QdKL40bopjrQONesnEO7LuHUj2dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_b.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Bower was a well-traveled performer on the Vaudeville circuit, a one-time member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the author of two widely used method books in the early part of the 20th century. He was also prolific inventor having been granted no fewer than thirteen patents, seven of which pertained to the snare drum. His designs were odd even for their time commonly utilizing hollow, tubular counterhoops which doubled as flesh hoops for the drumheads. Shells were often made from an unusual composite material as is the case with this example.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9y421Hhivw/YF1AsCI-ZGI/AAAAAAAADl0/iLEjOk_EW9MCaeusng8ocPM8DdQKzXXewCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_c.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9y421Hhivw/YF1AsCI-ZGI/AAAAAAAADl0/iLEjOk_EW9MCaeusng8ocPM8DdQKzXXewCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_c.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sksBiRBUJ8w/YF1AwbdWl7I/AAAAAAAADl4/-EqOwdIWXCU8Gd72IWmK9IgJlHy9dbuJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_d.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sksBiRBUJ8w/YF1AwbdWl7I/AAAAAAAADl4/-EqOwdIWXCU8Gd72IWmK9IgJlHy9dbuJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_d.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Bower's patented snare system was also highly unique in that the wires remained under tension via a frame which could be engaged with or disengaged from the bottom head using a simple but efficient throw-off mechanism.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUvTw-iC1Bw/YF1BRtTymaI/AAAAAAAADmE/Xi3SSDVpSoI-aAmXyuIfRFgSgxeVcdJHACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_e.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUvTw-iC1Bw/YF1BRtTymaI/AAAAAAAADmE/Xi3SSDVpSoI-aAmXyuIfRFgSgxeVcdJHACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_e.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJRKCsjGYhY/YF1BXGTD_GI/AAAAAAAADmI/jEnJgKQ9lAET36KArnDYOXoxzzXVcIaBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_f.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJRKCsjGYhY/YF1BXGTD_GI/AAAAAAAADmI/jEnJgKQ9lAET36KArnDYOXoxzzXVcIaBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bower_577_f.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Do you have a Bower drum? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?subject=Bower%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on Harry A. Bower and the other early 20th century drum manufacturers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a> or follow us on Instagram: <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/old_boston_drums/" target="_blank">@old_boston_drums</a></u>.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-49779783249908864982021-03-01T11:00:00.004-05:002021-03-01T11:00:02.866-05:00The George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum - Part 2: Dating Guide<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2021/02/the-george-b-stone-son-separate-tension.html"><u>General Overview</u></a> | <b>Dating Guide</b>
<p>
Boston's <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a> manufactured hundreds of "Separate Tension Drums" during the 1910s and 1920s. Not all examples can be precisely dated, but there are several defining characteristics of these instruments which evolved over time making it possible to approximate the age of many drums.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EscVIxYp1F4/YCic9dzJqAI/AAAAAAAADjM/oDqbPgBDqLMPbWmcShSwN4ErCGmnEUXDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Dating_Guide_banner.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1922 George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum advertisement" border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EscVIxYp1F4/YCic9dzJqAI/AAAAAAAADjM/oDqbPgBDqLMPbWmcShSwN4ErCGmnEUXDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Dating_Guide_banner.jpg"/></a></div><center><font size="1"><i>George B. Stone & Son Catalog I Supplement, 1922</i></center></font>
<p>
<b>SHELLS</b>
<p>
The overwhelming majority of Stone & Son's Separate Tension Drums were formed around maple shells. Exceptions do exist, however, and catalogs from the early 1910s offer walnut and mahgony for an additional price. Before 1922, the Separate Tension Drums were built from thin, single-ply shells with solid maple reinforcing rings at the outer edges as well as underneath each row of tube lug posts. Depending on shell depth and the number of tube lug posts, drums typically had a total of three or four reinfocing rings.
<p>
Shortly after the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model Drum</u></a> was introduced, Stone & Son began using the same three-ply, 5/8" thick maple shells on Separate Tension Orchestra Drums. Larger '<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2020/05/1910s-george-b-stone-son-separate.html"><u>Band Drums</u></a>' continued to feature a thinner, lighter one-ply shell with solid maple reinforcing rings.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymccV3l_Jug/YCgfy_Zh0CI/AAAAAAAADi4/nGvrC89uaqYNhRsRvreXGsOhhdSEwmX-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/older_shell.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1910s Stone snare drum shell interior" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymccV3l_Jug/YCgfy_Zh0CI/AAAAAAAADi4/nGvrC89uaqYNhRsRvreXGsOhhdSEwmX-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/older_shell.jpg"/></a></div><center><font size="1"><i>1910s - 1923</i></center></font></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGJf8a-Sws/YCggDa3xTLI/AAAAAAAADjA/pzYql4l9tRkMtKwbxk98Hou9-KBt_eQhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/newer_shell.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1920s Stone drum shell interior" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGJf8a-Sws/YCggDa3xTLI/AAAAAAAADjA/pzYql4l9tRkMtKwbxk98Hou9-KBt_eQhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/newer_shell.jpg"/></a></div><center><font size="1"><i>1923 - 1930s</i></center></font></td></table>
<b>GROMMETS</b>
<p>
Geo. B. Stone & Son commonly lined each drum's air vent with a grommet. Before 1924 these grommets were always formed from wood. Grommets found on drums built in the early and mid 1910s are sometimes formed from lighter colored woods and can be bulkier in appearance. Wooden grommets used during late 1910s and early 1920s were commonly made from highly polished rosewood and often have a thinner outerfacing lip. Sometime in 1924, Stone began installing ridged, black synthetic grommets which screwed into a threaded vent hole. These threaded grommets remained in use on Stone & Son's higher end drums, including the Separate Tension models, for the rest of the company's existence.
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMzNjrQpF9I/YAO8GVMR6rI/AAAAAAAADgI/WybnbXYcfd0GKwHWEz3WbQ892IJWA4qAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/wooden_grommet.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="wooden grommet" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMzNjrQpF9I/YAO8GVMR6rI/AAAAAAAADgI/WybnbXYcfd0GKwHWEz3WbQ892IJWA4qAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/wooden_grommet.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>early 1900s - 1924</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4QZBE5Q81M/YAO8RjQsqII/AAAAAAAADgM/F1OE1hdn0BQZUiq0btAM4R2RWDjSlP09wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/synthetic_grommet.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="synthetic grommet" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4QZBE5Q81M/YAO8RjQsqII/AAAAAAAADgM/F1OE1hdn0BQZUiq0btAM4R2RWDjSlP09wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/synthetic_grommet.jpg"/></a> <center><font size="1"><i>1924 - 1930s</i></center></font></td></tr></table>
<b>BADGES</b>
<p>
Stone & Son began applying badges to their drums sometime in the early to mid 1910s. Drums built before this time had no badges at all. It was standard practice by about 1915 to mount a metal, oval shaped badge to the batter side counterhoop of each snare drum, oriented on the panel above the air grommet. Some mid 1910s examples have a second badge applied inside of the shell instead of a label. By autumn of 1922, new badges began appearing with the letters "INC" added to denote the company's legal incorporation a few years prior.
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sc8LmIr6MYo/YAO3M8lMZZI/AAAAAAAADf0/BojCkdBtKZwfcyOVHGk1OMzlXu44frTiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/earlier_badge.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1910s George B. Stone & Son Drum Badge" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sc8LmIr6MYo/YAO3M8lMZZI/AAAAAAAADf0/BojCkdBtKZwfcyOVHGk1OMzlXu44frTiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/earlier_badge.jpg"/></a> <center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Drum Badge, mid 1910s - 1922</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qV2olGcAiuA/YAO3X3tB6FI/AAAAAAAADf4/ZqImifFPmo8zahC7bM8wmvVgavfgvk_uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/later_badge.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1920s George B. Stone & Son Drum Bagde" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qV2olGcAiuA/YAO3X3tB6FI/AAAAAAAADf4/ZqImifFPmo8zahC7bM8wmvVgavfgvk_uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/later_badge.jpg"/></a> <center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Drum Badge, 1922 - early 1930s</i></center></font></td></tr></table><p>
<b>LABELS & SERIAL NUMBERS</b>
<p>
A variety of different makers labels were applied inside of Geo. B. Stone & Son's Separate Tension Drums through the years. Some examples from the mid 1910s, however, instead had a second badge fixed to the inside of the shell. (example 1) One commonly seen label from the late 1910s featured the company name in an ornate, old-fashioned font (example 2) and is sometimes trimmed to fit inside of narrow shells or between mounting hardware. This label reappears in the mid 1930s with stamped serial numbers in the 9000 range.
<p>
Labels from the very late 1910s and early 1920s tout Stone's newly published Catalog I. (example 3) New serial numbered labels began appearing in January of 1922. (example 4) The serial numbers began at 5000 and were initially accompanied by date stamps. While serial numbers climbed into the upper 9000 range by the mid 1930s, date stamping ended sometime in 1925.
<table><tr> <td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTjv6m0LuQo/YAHah3Rid5I/AAAAAAAADfE/vHcINUZLMO80ByKhDdPhj9gODHyg98VfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/shell_badge.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Drum Badge, circa mid 1910s" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTjv6m0LuQo/YAHah3Rid5I/AAAAAAAADfE/vHcINUZLMO80ByKhDdPhj9gODHyg98VfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/shell_badge.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>ex. 1 - circa mid 1910s</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWRHQl5a_Wc/YAHaEK4yK3I/AAAAAAAADe4/bK0lM_-P4Kc3F2xJEd1iVh8g4xtt8-MSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/label1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Drum Label, circa mid to late 1910s" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWRHQl5a_Wc/YAHaEK4yK3I/AAAAAAAADe4/bK0lM_-P4Kc3F2xJEd1iVh8g4xtt8-MSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/label1.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>ex. 2 - circa mid to late 1910s</i></center></font></td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6EjsMpbi28/YAHabKP6tbI/AAAAAAAADfA/VSez59yOd9MrMS-nF37ulp9RMAezXj2bACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/label2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Drum Label, ca. 1919 to 1921" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6EjsMpbi28/YAHabKP6tbI/AAAAAAAADfA/VSez59yOd9MrMS-nF37ulp9RMAezXj2bACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/label2.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>ex. 3 - ca. 1919 to 1921</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2UwIyo_Os/YAHa3EWFlDI/AAAAAAAADfQ/393V3_SwPqIiF9rCbtwSQUixalJvi7q9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/label3.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Drum Label, 1922 to early 1930s" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2UwIyo_Os/YAHa3EWFlDI/AAAAAAAADfQ/393V3_SwPqIiF9rCbtwSQUixalJvi7q9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/label3.jpg"/></a><center><font size="1"><i>ex. 4 - 1922 to early 1930s</i></center></font></td></tr></table>
<p>
The Seperate Tension drums were manufactured in dwindling quantities through the late 1920s and were included in Stone & Son pricelists as late as 1932.
<p>
Do you have a Stone Separate Tension drum? I would love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Separate%20Tension%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on George B. Stone & Son and the other turn of the century Boston-based drum makers, please visit <a href="BostonDrumBuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>. percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-6256905235655345622021-02-01T12:00:00.020-05:002021-08-07T22:23:19.268-04:00The George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum - Part 1: General Overview<b>General Overview</b> | <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2021/03/the-george-b-stone-son-separate-tension.html"><u>Dating Guide</u></a>
<br>
<br>
Long before the introduction of <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a>'s iconic <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model drum</u></a> there was the Separate Tension Orchestra Drum. Manufactured throughout the 1910s and 1920s, the Separate Tension models were Stone & Son's premier snare drum offerings before the Master-Model debuted in 1922. Catalogued as early as 1912, a strong advertising push was made to promote the Separate Tension Drums during the late 1910s.
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neHlmC3lc_g/X_vPqFql6KI/AAAAAAAADb4/qOBQPbcdKG0IlcZ4zS17x0B7fuC_ARxswCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1918%2BSep%2B-%2BJOM%2Bad%2B-%2Bmilitary%2Bcontracts.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="George B. Stone & Son Advertisement, September 1918" border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neHlmC3lc_g/X_vPqFql6KI/AAAAAAAADb4/qOBQPbcdKG0IlcZ4zS17x0B7fuC_ARxswCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1918%2BSep%2B-%2BJOM%2Bad%2B-%2Bmilitary%2Bcontracts.jpg"/></a>
<center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Advertisement, September 1918</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xng7Jf35Lsw/X_vQDIn_MmI/AAAAAAAADcA/JThhPQFLXk01uJtB8vCDHyv4NOpfA251QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1920%2BJan%2B-%2BFeb%2Bad%2Bin%2BJBM.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="George B. Stone & Son Advertisement, July 1919" border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xng7Jf35Lsw/X_vQDIn_MmI/AAAAAAAADcA/JThhPQFLXk01uJtB8vCDHyv4NOpfA251QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1920%2BJan%2B-%2BFeb%2Bad%2Bin%2BJBM.jpg"/></a>
<center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Advertisement, July 1919</i></center></font></td></tr></table>
<p>
Geo. B. Stone & Son's Separate Tension Drums were offered in a wide range of sizes. Catalog K, released in 1925, lists 'Orchestra' models in seven sizes: 3" x 14", 4" x 14", 5" x 14", 6" x 14", 4" x 15", 5" x 15" and 6" x 15". Half size shell depths including 3.5", 4.5", 5.5" and 6.5" were listed in earlier catalogs. Larger models, refered to by Stone as <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2020/05/1910s-george-b-stone-son-separate.html"><u>'Band Drums'</u></a>, were available in sizes ranging from 8" x 15 to 14" x 17".
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Dd6dzF0g2M/X_vYrO2Wp3I/AAAAAAAADc8/rIqlC-rK8bYxQQSa0HfwEQlb_yPqE06CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/ad_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="George B. Stone & Son Advertisement, March 1920" border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Dd6dzF0g2M/X_vYrO2Wp3I/AAAAAAAADc8/rIqlC-rK8bYxQQSa0HfwEQlb_yPqE06CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/ad_1.jpg"/></a> <center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Advertisement, March 1920</i></center></font></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBVGyB2Vwvw/X_vYl5es-JI/AAAAAAAADc4/B0IK-B3qMPYXUq8YUkWKgJPzZfOII7YiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/ad_2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="George B. Stone & Son Advertisement, July 1922" border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBVGyB2Vwvw/X_vYl5es-JI/AAAAAAAADc4/B0IK-B3qMPYXUq8YUkWKgJPzZfOII7YiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/ad_2.jpg"/></a> <center><font size="1"><i>Geo. B. Stone & Son Advertisement, July 1922</i></center></font></td></tr></table>
<p>
The overwhelming majority of Separate Tension Drums were produced with a natural maple finish. Stone also offered a "De Luxe" black enamel finish at an additional cost. Catalogs described this model as the "<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2016/01/the-stone-black-beauty-separate-tension.html"><u>Black Beauty Separate Tension Snare Drum</u></a>" predating both Slingerland and Ludwig's use of the moniker to advertise their ornately engraved metal-shell drums.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXKe7yvRx7w/X_9x-FM7tHI/AAAAAAAADes/H8sroxamnzclwWk46J2TzLGiF12baNSTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_separate_tension_drum_1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1922 George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXKe7yvRx7w/X_9x-FM7tHI/AAAAAAAADes/H8sroxamnzclwWk46J2TzLGiF12baNSTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone_separate_tension_drum_1.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdqzH_71Dlc/X_x62Z76OSI/AAAAAAAADdk/rYQFs7_6t_oDyvSgy5Y3A97-ftfOILHtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/IMG_4494.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Late 1920s George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdqzH_71Dlc/X_x62Z76OSI/AAAAAAAADdk/rYQFs7_6t_oDyvSgy5Y3A97-ftfOILHtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/IMG_4494.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3J2KtR72Jqw/X_x7RLPqBVI/AAAAAAAADds/zuzrQMgFw4MgklY3f9GJabZKz_ZK88DYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/IMG_4503.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1925 George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3J2KtR72Jqw/X_x7RLPqBVI/AAAAAAAADds/zuzrQMgFw4MgklY3f9GJabZKz_ZK88DYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/IMG_4503.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqTM3y2st4k/X_vRcfJppXI/AAAAAAAADcY/8wVmgKnlImQ521cqf-URfWU-ltnUD0vWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone-black-beauty.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1925 George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Orchestra Drum" border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqTM3y2st4k/X_vRcfJppXI/AAAAAAAADcY/8wVmgKnlImQ521cqf-URfWU-ltnUD0vWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/stone-black-beauty.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2019/07/who-was-william-f-mcintosh.html"><u>William F. McIntosh</u></a>'s patented snare mechanism, catalogued by Stone as the "<a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html"><u>Stone Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler</u></a>", came standard on all Separate Tension models. Most versions of the strainer were stamped "PAT. FEB 9, 1909" and "STONE". Earlier examples are often stamped "McINTOSH" instead of "STONE". The Separate Tension drums were not outfitted with butt plates. Instead, a simple snare anchor held the snares in place against the bottom counterhoop opposite of the strainer. Early snare anchors were leather while later ones are formed from a black, synthetic material. Advertising from the early 1910s listed "flexible waterproof woven or hand oiled and rubber gut snares" while later catalogs listed "wire-silk, amber gut, or coiled wire snares".
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2_0qrxft7k/X_4NiyOEFUI/AAAAAAAADd8/KAM84ycLPBMktxvUbkLShZSWIgt5m7ZYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/strainer.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2_0qrxft7k/X_4NiyOEFUI/AAAAAAAADd8/KAM84ycLPBMktxvUbkLShZSWIgt5m7ZYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/strainer.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qyQdrOtY5M/X_4NupjXsSI/AAAAAAAADeA/8QLXQVxABQMbIrfUY59AvTsouy_fqmGqACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/snare_anchor.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Snare Anchor" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qyQdrOtY5M/X_4NupjXsSI/AAAAAAAADeA/8QLXQVxABQMbIrfUY59AvTsouy_fqmGqACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/snare_anchor.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
Separate Tension drums were outfitted with slotted tension rods which passed through nickel plated, cast metal hooks fiting over the wooden counterhoops. Stone's proprietary tube lugs varied in length depending on the depth of the drum. Orchestra models recieved single-post tube lugs while the deeper Band models utilized longer tube lugs with two posts. Factory workers typically installed a single washer between each tube lug post and the shell. Stone's tube lugs are unique in that they were mounted using very long screws which passed from the inside of the drum, through the lug post, and all the way into the tube itself. Fourteen inch drums normally featured twelve lugs. Larger diametar drums commonly have fourteen.
<table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bX8LaMavWRA/X_6DsQi940I/AAAAAAAADeU/Il-4-LTDeB8IggSnnldsm6-teglaBryHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tenrion_rod.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Slotted Tension Rod" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bX8LaMavWRA/X_6DsQi940I/AAAAAAAADeU/Il-4-LTDeB8IggSnnldsm6-teglaBryHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tenrion_rod.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7BXZej3rr8/X_6Dyx6USzI/AAAAAAAADeY/gSYRuYkegb0VxKxKUDI30qVlkeuBnA8rACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/lugs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="Stone & Son Tube Lug" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7BXZej3rr8/X_6Dyx6USzI/AAAAAAAADeY/gSYRuYkegb0VxKxKUDI30qVlkeuBnA8rACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/lugs.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
In the next post we will have the <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2021/03/the-george-b-stone-son-separate-tension.html"><u>George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Drum Dating Guide</u></a> documenting the evolution of these drums over their more than twenty years in production.
<p>
Do you have a Stone Separate Tension drum? I would love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Separate%20Tension%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on George B. Stone & Son and the other turn of the century Boston-based drum makers, please visit <a href="BostonDrumBuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-68827917598238774832021-01-01T17:05:00.596-05:002021-01-06T15:07:11.900-05:001873 Hall & Quinby DrumThe Quinby family's long involvement in brass instrument manufacturing and their associatioin with bandleader and instrument maker David C. Hall is well documented in both the <a href="https://www.worldcat.org/title/new-langwill-index-a-dictionary-of-musical-wind-instrument-makers-and-inventors/oclc/30035389" target="_blank"><u>The New Langwill Index</u></a> and <a href="https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/page/about-gmo/about-grove-music-online" target="_blank"><u>Grove Music Online</u></a>. The short version is as follows.
<p>
'Hall & Quinby' first appears in the Boston City Directory in 1866. Elbridge G. Wright joined with the Quinbys in 1870 to form 'Hall, Quinby, & Co.' Following Wright's death in 1871 the name reverted to 'Hall & Quinby'. Upon the departure of Hall from the business around 1875, the company name was changed simply to 'Quinby Brothers'. In 1884, Quinby Brothers was purchased by <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/thompson-odell" target="_blank"><u>Thompson & Odell</u></a> and became the Standard Band Instrument Company. The Quinbys left the musical instrument business after this time and went on to manufacture rotary machine shoe-brushes.
<p>
The Hall & Quinby drum featured here, with a handwritten label dated August 1873, fits neatly within the above timeline.
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMfGLp7VmQo/X6bPYfozvyI/AAAAAAAADU0/87BxHn4ste05GmByZob2o4ewtVB18DlAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_drum_blog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="1873 Hall and Quinby Snare Drum" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMfGLp7VmQo/X6bPYfozvyI/AAAAAAAADU0/87BxHn4ste05GmByZob2o4ewtVB18DlAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_drum_blog.jpg"/></a></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37jGKnXJGQU/X6bPjQM0inI/AAAAAAAADU4/lK4TSgJYYWEIcPYaHeAC0IqYrS4x0FZkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_label_blog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37jGKnXJGQU/X6bPjQM0inI/AAAAAAAADU4/lK4TSgJYYWEIcPYaHeAC0IqYrS4x0FZkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_label_blog.jpg"/></a></td></tr></table>
<P>
Twin brothers Benjamin Franklin Quinby (1830-1890) and George Washington Quinby (1830-1876) were reportedly building brass instruments in Boston as early as 1861. Around 1865 they were joined by elder brothers Leonard Quinby (1817-1887) and John O. Quinby (1827-1911). For all their success as instrument manufacturers and inventors (including an <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US125614A/en" target="_blank"><u>1872 patent for improving military brass instruments</u></a>) the Quinbys were not known as drum makers. But a surviving sales reciept documenting the purchase of "One 16 inch Brass Drum" with "Extra Engraving" confirms that Hall & Quinby did indeed sell drums.
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wj13gbGB01E/X6Be9SGuIYI/AAAAAAAADUg/nefACHNOU-M496s9ogNL5AEaz7_HHfLiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby%2Breciept%2Bfrom%2Bebay%2Bcropped.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wj13gbGB01E/X6Be9SGuIYI/AAAAAAAADUg/nefACHNOU-M496s9ogNL5AEaz7_HHfLiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby%2Breciept%2Bfrom%2Bebay%2Bcropped.jpg"/></a></div>
Whether or not Hall & Quinby manufactured drums is another question. A drum from the collection of John Gibson, viewable online at the <a href="https://vermontcivilwar.org/museum/gibson/drum.php" target="_blank"><u>Vermont Virtual Civil War Museum</u></a>, bears a D. C. Hall emblem but a label inside the shell lists its more likely source of manufacure, <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2014/09/who-was-w-white.html"><u>Asa W. White</u></a>. In keeping with the focus of their business, Hall & Quinby advertising commonly depicts valved cornets or bugles.
<br
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Js3KuGQGTMg/X6Be2MyYamI/AAAAAAAADUc/CR6a48stbBYgkstzSJGDYbw3rhZPrQ_PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1873%2Bhall%2Band%2Bquinby%2Bad.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Js3KuGQGTMg/X6Be2MyYamI/AAAAAAAADUc/CR6a48stbBYgkstzSJGDYbw3rhZPrQ_PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1873%2Bhall%2Band%2Bquinby%2Bad.jpg"/><br><font size="1">Hall & Quinby advertisement from 1873 Boston Directory</font></a></div></center>
<p>
The drum seen here likely began it's life as a common rope tension drum though numerous modifications prevent us from seeing it in original condition. Indentions in the wooden counterhoops suggest that metal <u><a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/10/prussian-drums.html">Prussian style rods and claws</a></u> were installed at one time. Later, a second set of holes was drilled in the hoops for the drum to be converted back to rope tension with the original holes filled and the hoops refinshed. <table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6jzNrpXT34/X_EeAqi9QbI/AAAAAAAADXo/fnobJa9eacgudPI5r5A8zfqfEBlqd-WNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_grommet_blog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6jzNrpXT34/X_EeAqi9QbI/AAAAAAAADXo/fnobJa9eacgudPI5r5A8zfqfEBlqd-WNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_grommet_blog.jpg"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wheu0t6h_SI/X_EeKxUVOWI/AAAAAAAADXs/pRsAiaxmcKMLGZ_xVU0SGgmE8GqoIzqNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_strainer_blog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wheu0t6h_SI/X_EeKxUVOWI/AAAAAAAADXs/pRsAiaxmcKMLGZ_xVU0SGgmE8GqoIzqNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/quinby_strainer_blog.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>
<p>
Hall & Quinby brass instruments commonly have ornately engraved bells. Such decorative touches are rarely seen on drums of the same era. The only hint of ornamentaion here is the wooden grommet lining the air vent and an adjustment screw for the snare mechanism which may or may not be original to the drum.
<p>
Do you have an antique Hall & Quinby drum? I would love to hear about it! Send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-43654598694467999592020-11-05T08:00:00.004-05:002021-05-23T11:23:25.907-04:00An Obituary for Frank E. Dodge<p>Note: The following was written by referencing historical records including newspapers, trade publications, directory listings, and census records. While Dodge was memorialized at the time of his death (Musical America offered about 150 words while a brief mention in the Boston Globe totaled only 35), this reconstructed obituary offers a more complete remembrance of his life than anything previously published.
<p>
<table border="0"><tr> <td bgcolor="#dddddd" width="1"></td> <td width="10"></td> <td bgcolor="#F4F4F4">November 5, 1918<br />
<br />
Frank Dodge, one of New England's leading orchestra drummers and timpanists who authored two widely used method books and built Boston's largest drum manufacturing company, died on November 5th. He was 41. <br />
<br />
Dodge fell ill during the recent epidemic of influenza and died after a stay of five days in Peter Bent Brigham Hospital according to his brother Harry Dodge.<br />
<br />
In recent years, Mr. Dodge worked extensively as an orchestra manager supplying musicians to the Maine Music Festival and the Boston Opera Orchestra where he also performed as timpanist. Lately, during the war effort, he had been serving as an instructor for the Army and Navy band school at the New England Conservatory. <br />
<br />
Besides his brother Harry, survivors include his wife, Eugenia Metzger Dodge, and daughters Florence and Dorothy.<br />
<br />
Frank Edward Dodge was born on July 10th, 1877 in Wenham to Frank and Maria (McCarthy) Dodge. The family moved during the 1880s to Boston where Dodge graduated from English High School in 1896. He furthered his formal schooling at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he completed studies in Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry. Serving as treasurer of the freshman orchestra while at MIT foretold of his career over the next two decades.<br />
<br />
By his early twenties, Dodge had become in demand as a xylophone soloist appearing regularly at some of the city's grandest venues including the Boston Theatre, with the acclaimed First Regiment Band, and the Colonial Theatre on Boylston Street. There were performances with the Boston Festival Orchestra and a trip to the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis with Stewart's Boston Band too. He was reported to be joining John Philip Sousa's band soon after, but instead turned his attention to drum manufacturing where he would merge his musical talent with his technical training. <br />
<br />
The F. E. Dodge Company was incorporated in 1903 with a capital of $50,000 and with the help of Mr. William J. Blair, formerly of Boston's Blair & Baldwin, quickly became the largest and most innovative percussion instrument maker in New England. The firm operated for eight years along Appleton Street manufacturing drums, traps, xylophones, orchestra bells, and timpani. In 1912, Dodge's business was succeeded by Nokes & Nicolai who continue to catalogue many products branded with the Dodge name. <br />
<br />
Mr. Dodge was the author of two widely used instruction books for drums. "The Dodge Drum Chart", published in 1908, offered a systematic approach to rudimental drumming patterns. The "Dodge Drum School", released in 1909, was a more comprehensive method book containing material for bells, xylophone, and timpani as well as musical examples for many of the drummer's traps.<br />
<br />A devoted teacher, Mr. Dodge taught privately from the Boston Opera House and lately had been instructing the Mrs. Oliver Ames, Sr., Band at North Easton. Dodge's best known pupil is George Lawrence Stone of Boston's Geo. B. Stone & Son. Messrs. Dodge and Stone shared the stage many times over the years including for five seasons with the now defunct Boston Opera Orchestra.
<p>
An active member of the American Federation of Musicians, Mr. Dodge was chosen by Union President Joseph N. Weber to represent the American Federation of Musicians at the Convention of the League to Enforce Peace at Philadelphia in 1917. Also last year, Dodge was appointed by Andrew James Peters, the Mayor of Boston, to the Music Commission of the City of Boston.
<p>
Funeral services will be hosted by the McCarthy family at 48 Saint Stephen Street on Friday, November 8th at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead.</td></tr></table>percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-23874744377664414742020-10-28T16:59:00.005-04:002021-01-03T14:08:11.155-05:00P. R. Winn, DrummakerDepending on which citation is used, Peter R. Winn was born in either 1805 (according to the Annual Report of the Town of Quincy which records his death in 1886 at age 81), 1807 (according to the 1850 Census which lists Winn, then with the Marine Corps in Charlestown, as 43 years old), or 1810 (according to the 1855 Massachusetts Census which describes Winn as a 45 year old musician living in Boston). Whichever the case, by 1827 Winn had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where dozens of muster roll reports over the next three decades included him as a drummer or musician. Winn reenlisted with the Marines as late as 1857 and mustered as late as 1859 at Boston Station though it is unclear whether or not his military service was continuous. <br />
<br />
Further documenting his military involvement, the <u><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=gG1BAQAAMAAJ">1858 Massachusetts Annual Report</a></u> lists Peter R. Winn as Drum Major for the Sixth Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. He appears there again in 1860. And the <u><a href="https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/soldiers-and-sailors-database.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service's Soldiers and Sailors Database</a></u> lists <u><a href="https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=746B4CE0-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A" target="_blank">Peter R. Winn</a></u> as a musician with Company B of the 1st Regiment of the Maine Militia State Guards during the Civil War although no specific dates are given.
<p>
Winn is also known to have been an active drummaker in Boston as early as the mid 1850s, a trade he was evidently able to balance with his military duties. The 1855 and 1856 Boston City Directories list Winn at 69 Court Street in conjunction with home addresses of 3 Snowhill and 23 Salem respectively. From 1857 through 1861 Winn's occupation is described as "drummer and drummaker" at the address of 21 Salem. The 1862 Boston Directory shows Peter R. Winn as a drummaker at 11 Noyes Place while in 1864 he is again listed as a musician at 21 Salem. <br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQdvE_ass2A/X5cY-BdnRQI/AAAAAAAADTQ/xrBDf4m1-DEa-GDKLS-TsOPMYLWqD8E0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/IMG_3689_cropped.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQdvE_ass2A/X5cY-BdnRQI/AAAAAAAADTQ/xrBDf4m1-DEa-GDKLS-TsOPMYLWqD8E0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/IMG_3689_cropped.jpg" /></a></div>
Christine Merrick Ayars' <a href="http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001454791" target="_blank"><u>Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston, 1640-1936</u></a> offers only a passing mention of Peter Winn reporting that he "made drums in the Civil War days". Perhaps the strongest supporting evidence to be found of Winn having produced drums for the war effort is the inclusion of "P. R. Winn" in the <u><a href="https://archives.lib.state.ma.us/handle/2452/756369" target="_blank">1861 Massachusetts Treasurer's Report</a></u> however there is no record of exactly what goods or services were provided.<br />
<br />
Later Boston directories show P. R. Winn as a drummaker at 159 1/2 Hanover Street (1868) and 121 Court Street (1869 - 1873). He is not listed in 1874, 1875 or 1876. According to the <u><a href="https://archive.org/details/annualreportofto1887quin/page/164">Annual Report of the Town of Quincy</a></u>, "Peter R. Winn" died September 13th, 1886 aged 81 years, 4 months and 15 days. <br />
<br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3altwJjU0o/X5crLm2RKbI/AAAAAAAADTo/RJC2_862QI8F3E4RftUInWm1pamEce1pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_crest.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3altwJjU0o/X5crLm2RKbI/AAAAAAAADTo/RJC2_862QI8F3E4RftUInWm1pamEce1pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_crest.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QK6ia35-vC4/X5crLqthYrI/AAAAAAAADTk/bwzJNEhTLc8JaBw4upmMsYOHU5DO5jK4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_ear.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QK6ia35-vC4/X5crLqthYrI/AAAAAAAADTk/bwzJNEhTLc8JaBw4upmMsYOHU5DO5jK4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_ear.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNXbncvmxMg/X5crLxY7U4I/AAAAAAAADTs/tR74Fb90VpMsCi2v2CBqgW1w-wUcjtJPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_strainer.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNXbncvmxMg/X5crLxY7U4I/AAAAAAAADTs/tR74Fb90VpMsCi2v2CBqgW1w-wUcjtJPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_strainer.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew7grwQQ5Lk/X5crLgIGLOI/AAAAAAAADTg/S-uHQwOsqdoYapBzIoEeF3xXQHeJt3AowCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_butt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew7grwQQ5Lk/X5crLgIGLOI/AAAAAAAADTg/S-uHQwOsqdoYapBzIoEeF3xXQHeJt3AowCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/winn_butt.jpg" /></a></td></tr></table>
<p>
The drum featured here dates from between 1869 and 1873 while Winn was operating at 121 Court Street in Boston. It is roughly the size of a 'regulation drum' measuring 16 1/2" across by about 11" deep. A large crest shaped decal or painting frames the air vent and lists Winn's name and address surrounded by images of an eagle, two uniformed soldiers, stacks of cannon balls and a military drum. The single-ply maple shell and 1/4 sawn oak hoops are held together at the seams with the help of a series of nails or tacks which was common for the era. A simple snare mechanism holds the gut strands in place and allows for tightening or loosening while a leather snare anchor holds the gut in place from the other side of the bottom counterhoop. <br />
<br />
An incredibly rare piece of surviving ephemera, now kept in a private collection, is a business card used by Winn to promote himself. It reads:<br />
<br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03UynBparCY/XssrZtS6o3I/AAAAAAAADO4/NPR4s0P1If8LUZXTwhMkaIkyxVSbE0EaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P%2BR%2BWinn%2Bbusiness%2Bcard%2Bfor%2Bblog.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03UynBparCY/XssrZtS6o3I/AAAAAAAADO4/NPR4s0P1If8LUZXTwhMkaIkyxVSbE0EaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P%2BR%2BWinn%2Bbusiness%2Bcard%2Bfor%2Bblog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td><td align="center" width="400">"P. R. Winn, <br />
DRUMMER,<br />
No. 2[3] 1[/2] Salem Street,<br />
BOSTON,<br />
Is prepared to furnish Fife and Drum for Military and Fire-<br />men's Parades; also, to Beat the Snare or Muffled Drum for <br />Balls, Cotillon Parties, etc.etc.<br />
DRUMS MADE AND REPAIRED AT SHORT NOTICE,<br />
All orders left at Henry Prentiss' Music Store, 33 Court Street,<br />will be promptly attended to. <br />
Instruction given on the Drum, including all Camp duty."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Prentiss operated at 33 Court Street from 1939 until 1859 and Winn is first listed at a Salem Street address in 1856. So Winn's business card likely dates to sometime between 1856 and 1860 when Elias Howe took over for Prentiss at 33 Court Street.
<p>
Do you have a drum made by P. R. Winn? I would love to see it! Send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.
<br />
<p></p>percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-61289235917091213072020-05-23T11:37:00.000-04:002020-05-23T11:37:34.141-04:001910s George B. Stone & Son Separate Tension Band DrumThis drum has been in the collection since before the days of the blog and is long overdue for a feature here. It's a nicely restored Separate Tension Band Drum from Boston's <u><a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com/stone">George B. Stone & Son</a></u>. The before and after photos depict the dramatic overhaul. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHZX3ZKf82E/XsA4jBzZqAI/AAAAAAAADLk/ndjAN7FGp9s7-XqyzvQdbAMoOiz0HpYCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_band_drum_before_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHZX3ZKf82E/XsA4jBzZqAI/AAAAAAAADLk/ndjAN7FGp9s7-XqyzvQdbAMoOiz0HpYCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_band_drum_before_A.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" alt="1910s Stone & Son Band Drum Before Restoration"/></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCa1RznTuMM/XsA5WnLGFKI/AAAAAAAADL0/INRV6L1l9oAo378BPXgP3pRSfBC6e8QAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_band_drum_after_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCa1RznTuMM/XsA5WnLGFKI/AAAAAAAADL0/INRV6L1l9oAo378BPXgP3pRSfBC6e8QAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_band_drum_after_A.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" alt="Lee's Stone Field Drum After Restoration"/></a><br />
<br />
The drum was found in southern New Hampshire in 2009 and had been neglected for many years. A poorly applied aftermarket paint job masked the original shellac finish and a crack had developed running a third of the way around the shell. Several pieces of hardware were missing and the slotted tension rods on the bottom side of the drum were caked in mud where the drum had recently been placed on the ground. A thorough restoration was in order.<br />
<br />
Paint was stripped from the shell, hoops, and hardware. The shell was sent to Joe McSweeney at <u><a href="http://eamesdrumshells.com/" target="_blank">Eames Drum Company</a></u> in Saugus, Massachusetts who repaired the crack. After a light sanding on the wheel at Eames, the very same equipment used by Stone & Son generations ago, the shell and hoops were refinished to closely emulate what would have been the original color. The tube lugs were polished by hand and reinstalled with new mounting hardware as the original screws were badly stripped and rusted. New calfskins were sourced from America's last remaining drumhead tannery, <u><a href="http://www.sterntanning.com/" target="_blank">Stern Tanning</a></u> in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and tucked onto the existing flesh hoops. The end result is a drum which may not hold as much collector value as an unmolested one, but is highly playable and remains a visually accurate representation of George B. Stone & Son's work. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7nse27uEe4/XsE3V-8CquI/AAAAAAAADMc/huvNQPq7AII22pROonRNwocsqFUFIuDHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_band_drum_after_B.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7nse27uEe4/XsE3V-8CquI/AAAAAAAADMc/huvNQPq7AII22pROonRNwocsqFUFIuDHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_band_drum_after_B.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="279" alt="George B. Stone & Son Drum Badge"/></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9OKz_QJFMU/XsFIEImigKI/AAAAAAAADMs/swybR0mhI8MRb1d6QBYxaLb-4UQN-IUOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_label_1910s.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o9OKz_QJFMU/XsFIEImigKI/AAAAAAAADMs/swybR0mhI8MRb1d6QBYxaLb-4UQN-IUOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone_label_1910s.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="279" alt="George B. Stone & Son Drum Label"/></a><br />
<br />
Stone's Separate Tension Band Drums were constructed around thin single-ply shells, typically maple, and utilized four reinforcing rings - one at each bearing edge and one underneath each row of tube lug posts. Slotted tension rods attached to single-ply counterhoops using hooks cast from brass or bronze. A simple but functional <u><a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html">Stone Patent Snare Strainer and Muffler</a></u> allowed for the gut snares to be quickly engaged or disengaged from the bottom head.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sxbxs7DWNM/XsRldehsJBI/AAAAAAAADNg/Q0mNeUflK-8oifd-Lo8ow1BmsjJHkN7ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mcintosh_strainer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sxbxs7DWNM/XsRldehsJBI/AAAAAAAADNg/Q0mNeUflK-8oifd-Lo8ow1BmsjJHkN7ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mcintosh_strainer.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="401" alt="William F. McIntosh Snare Strainer and Muffler"/></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDuGKRSFjDw/XsRl7-7km4I/AAAAAAAADNw/tBO4LQFqN_UxzivkAOrR7zQdK3JITERygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/gut_snares.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDuGKRSFjDw/XsRl7-7km4I/AAAAAAAADNw/tBO4LQFqN_UxzivkAOrR7zQdK3JITERygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/gut_snares.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" alt="Bottom View of Stone Field Drum and Gut Snares"/></a><br />
<br />
Stone & Son's <u><a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2013/09/stone-catalog-k-shelf-life.html">Catalog K (1925)</a></u> listed several models aimed at the band and drum corps market but the use of double post tube lugs is unique to the Separate Tension Band Drums. Far more common for this style of drum in the 1910s was the use of thumbscrew rods adjusted by hand from the underside of the drum thereby tuning both heads simultaneously. Catalogued by Stone under many different monikers through the years, sometimes with center posts and sometimes without, the design of these single tension models remained essentially unchanged from the early 1900s through the 1920s and even into the 1930s. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWprTRrgDYY/XsGLYnRc7OI/AAAAAAAADM8/cVfDABLyOCc105IQ3TbXfvqLpmB30misACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Stone%2BCatalog%2BK%2B-%2Bpage%2B%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWprTRrgDYY/XsGLYnRc7OI/AAAAAAAADM8/cVfDABLyOCc105IQ3TbXfvqLpmB30misACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Stone%2BCatalog%2BK%2B-%2Bpage%2B%2B9.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="609" alt="Stone & Son Catalog K - page 9"/></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqBa8xSyBr8/XsIlmaNmTpI/AAAAAAAADNQ/6b4OGeDm35ollEyXNE4rDM4VEY8BZNUpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone%2Bcatalog%2BK%2B-%2Bpage%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqBa8xSyBr8/XsIlmaNmTpI/AAAAAAAADNQ/6b4OGeDm35ollEyXNE4rDM4VEY8BZNUpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stone%2Bcatalog%2BK%2B-%2Bpage%2B13.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="609" alt="Stone & Son Catalog K - page 13"/></a><br />
<br />
Do you have a drum made by Geo. B. Stone & Son? I would love to hear about it! Drop Lee a note at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?Subject=Stone%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on Boston's early 20th century drum makers, please visit <a href="http://www.BostonDrumBuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>. percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-40565920000282483302019-12-18T12:05:00.000-05:002019-12-18T12:05:53.589-05:00Harry A. Bower "Special Artists Orchestra Drum"It's been several years now since this rope tension drum labeled by <a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com/bower" target="_blank"><u>Harry A. Bower</u></a> floated across eBay and into a private collection. Best known for his influential method books and unusual snare drum designs, Bower was granted more than a dozen patents between 1897 and 1933 pertaining mostly to the design and construction of snare drums, timpani, and other percussion instruments. This older style drum raises the possibility that he may have been an active instrument maker before his more modern designs had been imagined and brought to life.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fVm6ytfEAA/XcSvfU1wdrI/AAAAAAAACf8/zVc-UXubU68M67A3l2i-BVD-YJGCxn1NACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fVm6ytfEAA/XcSvfU1wdrI/AAAAAAAACf8/zVc-UXubU68M67A3l2i-BVD-YJGCxn1NACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B1.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="336" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp3GBOqcy68/XcSvjfgh2vI/AAAAAAAACgA/mqZobfim-4Ii55CxwlgocME89NXcejL0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp3GBOqcy68/XcSvjfgh2vI/AAAAAAAACgA/mqZobfim-4Ii55CxwlgocME89NXcejL0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B2.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="336" /></a><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFMAzBh9Om0/XcSvo0nCYYI/AAAAAAAACgE/u3wTcCRQjIYesM_Tl_PUYb9UoiDEMj_xACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFMAzBh9Om0/XcSvo0nCYYI/AAAAAAAACgE/u3wTcCRQjIYesM_Tl_PUYb9UoiDEMj_xACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B3.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="336" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7p7S9Uuy5w/XcSvtkqRLPI/AAAAAAAACgI/pgJuAoigsCMGRpihbLV4olh7l3Z8V7K6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7p7S9Uuy5w/XcSvtkqRLPI/AAAAAAAACgI/pgJuAoigsCMGRpihbLV4olh7l3Z8V7K6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower%2Brope%2B4.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="336" /></a><br />
<br />
Bower was adamant in stamping his name and patent numbers all over his instruments. And while this drum bears his name on both an oval shaped badge and a paper label inside the shell, there is no visible mention of patents. <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US755610"><u>Bower's earliest snare drum patent</u></a> was applied for in 1903 and granted in 1904. If this drum were to predate that time, it would be one of Bower's earliest known surviving instruments.<br />
<br />
The snare mechanism present here is of a simple, traditional style nothing like those seen in any of Bower's patents. However, extra holes in the bottom hoop indicate that some other mechanism was once installed. One of the few apparent similarities to Bower's later drums is a synthetic grommet adorning the air vent. If original, this would be highly unusual for a drum built around the turn of the century which again raises suspicion of possible after market modifications.<br />
<br />
The semicircular snare gate is a somewhat unique trait shared by several other Boston drum builders of the early 1900s. But overall, the drum appears to have more in common with the work of Boston's late 19th century band instrument makers than Bower's own drums of a few decades later. One last mystery here is a series of witness marks or plugged holes in the shell, partially obscured from view by the snare strainer, which are suggestive of an ornamental tack pattern seen on earlier rope tension drums, a cosmetic feature sometimes echoed by Bower on his metal wrapped synthetic shell drums of the 1910s and '20s. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvuRj__MJIM/XfpNyJzHQAI/AAAAAAAADFM/q3sTlZHSIbgFic1IbededtwtAsFz-6YnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower_maple_field_drum.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvuRj__MJIM/XfpNyJzHQAI/AAAAAAAADFM/q3sTlZHSIbgFic1IbededtwtAsFz-6YnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower_maple_field_drum.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSnRfjGdBcU/XfpN22DvvBI/AAAAAAAADFQ/7cxEZJgELUEwXeC9p_80sJt0gyDNu038wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower_metal_wrapped_drum.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSnRfjGdBcU/XfpN22DvvBI/AAAAAAAADFQ/7cxEZJgELUEwXeC9p_80sJt0gyDNu038wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bower_metal_wrapped_drum.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Do you have a Bower drum? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?subject=Bower%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on Harry A. Bower and the other early 20th century drum manufacturers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-39484672897003538402019-11-25T11:21:00.002-05:002021-10-16T14:49:53.272-04:00W. H. Cundy Drum, ca. 1876 - 1885The following comes from Christine Merrick Ayars' <a href="http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001454791" target="_blank"><u><i>Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston, 1640-1936</i></u></a>:<br />
<br />
<center><table border="0"><tr><td bgcolor="#dddddd" width="1"></td><td width="10"></td><td bgcolor="#F4F4F4">"W. H. Cundy is first listed in the Boston City Directory of 1868 as having a music store at 1195 Washington St. For a short time the firm was Cundy & Whitcomb. Mr. Cundy seems to have moved frequently since he was given at various addresses in successive years, such as Continental Building 1869, 1135 Washington St. in 1870, the same with 717 Tremont St. added in 1873, 1317 Washington St. in 1875, 55 Court St. and 717 Tremont St. in 1878, 186 Washington St. in 1890 and 93 Court St. from about 1900 until the business was bought and taken over by Mr. Bettoney."</td><td width="10"></td></tr>
</table></center><br />
William H. Cundy was born in Birmingham, England on August 18, 1832. He came to America in 1854, married in 1856 and became naturalized in 1869. Cundy was widely considered to be a fine clarinet player and according to Ayars was trained at the English Military Band Conservatory at Kneller Hall, England. During the Civil War he was a member of Patrick Gilmore's Band of the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=T44vAAAAYAAJ"><u>Twenty-Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers</u></a> and later performed for many years with the orchestra of the Boston Theatre. Through the 1870s Cundy grew to become a highly successful musical instrument dealer and music publisher. Ayars continues: <br />
<br />
<center><table border="0"><tr><td bgcolor="#dddddd" width="1"></td><td width="10"></td><td bgcolor="#F4F4F4">"In his retail store he dealt largely in imported instruments, string, woodwind and brass. He was agent for Higham Band Instruments made in England and was largely instrumental in making well known in the United States the Buffet Clarinet made in Paris by Buffet-Crampon.<br />
<br />
Mr. Cundy also started an engraving and publishing business, probably soon after he opened his store, as some of his music bears addresses of early locations like 1123, 1135 and 1195 Washington St. He described his business as follows: "Dealer and importer of Sheet Music Domestic & Foreign; Italian, German & French strings of best quality; Pianos, Melodeons, Cottage Organs, and Musical Merchandise of every description."</td><td width="10"></td></tr>
</table></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3D0lQ23czE/YWsescTt3dI/AAAAAAAAD1c/v3JzsD5WD6MTJ3BXoYI03exnMjy5UwSiACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/cundy_blog_top.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3D0lQ23czE/YWsescTt3dI/AAAAAAAAD1c/v3JzsD5WD6MTJ3BXoYI03exnMjy5UwSiACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/cundy_blog_top.jpg"/></a></div>
<br />
According to <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=UcwpAAAAYAAJ&dq" target="_blank"><u>The American Bookseller, Vol. II, No. 12</u></a> dated December 15, 1876, Cundy announced his move to 55 Court Street before the end of that year. From 1877 through 1881 Boston Directories list Cundy under Music Dealers and Publishers with two addresses, 55 Court and 717 Tremont. The Tremont address is absent from 1882 through 1885 though he remains listed at 55 Court Street. Beginning in 1886 and continuing for the next several years, Cundy is listed at an address of 1 Columbia. Thus, the drum featured here figures to have been produced between 1876 and 1885.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQJYQTd_5A8/Xb31xPd6R9I/AAAAAAAACfs/BUIDJcRfWY4ccWVOaXBhiOW3bRdL3xBkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cundy%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQJYQTd_5A8/Xb31xPd6R9I/AAAAAAAACfs/BUIDJcRfWY4ccWVOaXBhiOW3bRdL3xBkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cundy%2Bbanner.jpg" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="449" /></a><br />
<br />
Individually, Cundy was best known as a publisher of sheet music. Harry Bettoney, previously an employee of Cundy, bought out the Cundy Music Publishing Company in 1907. The Cundy-Bettoney Company would eventually become a renowned maker of clarinets. William H. Cundy passed away at the age of 80 on January 11, 1913.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGRyu_mes1E/XKeJAB957DI/AAAAAAAACUQ/EDNhPGDWtKYQDZ2BrzLnFfjEpmB9Hr7yACLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGRyu_mes1E/XKeJAB957DI/AAAAAAAACUQ/EDNhPGDWtKYQDZ2BrzLnFfjEpmB9Hr7yACLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog1.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="244" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dshHGyZKyUw/XKeJAN7aAnI/AAAAAAAACUU/Xby31HTK9sQQTRxpufAkmfaWWy4PVBAhgCLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dshHGyZKyUw/XKeJAN7aAnI/AAAAAAAACUU/Xby31HTK9sQQTRxpufAkmfaWWy4PVBAhgCLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog2.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="244" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9cM71xjUo0/XKeJAMcDXOI/AAAAAAAACUY/2SarUgqXbVcVb00j3lQSmM3BRl2pCE5yQCLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9cM71xjUo0/XKeJAMcDXOI/AAAAAAAACUY/2SarUgqXbVcVb00j3lQSmM3BRl2pCE5yQCLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog3.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBuzEslD20U/XKeJA85u3tI/AAAAAAAACUc/plITHWT2us8TbQOwWL2Iu3S63OpsN0u2wCLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBuzEslD20U/XKeJA85u3tI/AAAAAAAACUc/plITHWT2us8TbQOwWL2Iu3S63OpsN0u2wCLcBGAs/s1600/cundy_blog4.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Drums manufactured by W. H. Cundy are quite scarce owing to their age and obscurity. Cundy sold a much greater volume of wind and brass instruments than drums, and the music publishing side of his business was likely more profitable. The few Cundy drums known to exist are simple in design and construction showing no major distinguishing characteristics from those of other <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>Boston-based drum makers</u></a> of the day. Cundy's drums do however compare favorably to the work of the larger local music houses such as <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/thompson-odell" target="_blank"><u>Thompson & Odell</u></a> and <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/haynes" target="_blank"><u>John .C. Haynes & Co</u></a>. Cundy's drums are so similar, in fact, that the possibility cannot be ruled out that his drums were manufactured for him and then labeled with the Cundy name. He was after all a prolific distributor of imported instruments. <br />
<br />
Do you have a drum made by W. H Cundy? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?subject=Cundy%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century drum manufacturers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-62963052835766378422019-10-31T14:41:00.000-04:002019-10-31T14:41:02.698-04:00F. E. Dodge "Double Tension" Orchestra Drum, ca. 1908 - 1912Frank Edward Dodge (1877-1918) ventured into drum manufacturing around 1903 after buying out William J. Blair (1845-1916) formerly of Boston's own <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2017/04/blair-baldwin-practical-drum-makers.html"><u>Blair & Baldwin</u></a>. By 1904 the <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/dodge" target="_blank"><u>F. E. Dodge Company</u></a> was incorporated under Massachusetts law with a capital of $50,000 and was located at 3 Appleton Street where the company would remain until they were succeeded by <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/nokes-nicolai"><u>Nokes & Nicolai</u></a> in 1912. The drum featured here is a fine example of the Dodge company's later work dating from about 1908 - 1912.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I16hQQl3Q8/XQu57KwMxXI/AAAAAAAACZw/dl6la5ekWoABvUbJHX315IexkGbWsSsBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dodge_Orchestra_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3I16hQQl3Q8/XQu57KwMxXI/AAAAAAAACZw/dl6la5ekWoABvUbJHX315IexkGbWsSsBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dodge_Orchestra_1.jpg" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="532" /></a><br />
<br />
Dodge's drums evolved quickly over the the company's brief lifespan. The most innovative aspect of their later drums is the use of self aligning swivel nuts housed inside hollow steel claws. This design is conspicuously absent from the <a href="http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/my_collection_dodge_catalog.html" target="_blank"><u>1907 F. E. Dodge Company catalog</u></a> suggesting this particular example was built after that time.<br />
<br />
<table><tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NaUTkWCiV4I/XRQXZMP9KfI/AAAAAAAACbM/ar71q9XsePI96x1icqb1T0QsOZXDrT4DwCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_strainer_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NaUTkWCiV4I/XRQXZMP9KfI/AAAAAAAACbM/ar71q9XsePI96x1icqb1T0QsOZXDrT4DwCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_strainer_large.jpg" data-original-width="265" data-original-height="265" /></a></td><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tanxTZfdIE/XRQXkR8oTkI/AAAAAAAACbQ/6eXAXJZzjykds6m9T884I7d_IYwH-2q7wCLcBGAs/s1600/strainer_catalog_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tanxTZfdIE/XRQXkR8oTkI/AAAAAAAACbQ/6eXAXJZzjykds6m9T884I7d_IYwH-2q7wCLcBGAs/s1600/strainer_catalog_photo.jpg" data-original-width="530" data-original-height="265" /></a></td></tr>
</table><br />
The throw-off mechanism seen here is Dodge's own design. Though it closely resembles <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2012/05/stone-patent-snare-strainer-and-muffler.html"><u>William F. McIntosh's mechanism</u></a>, Dodge's "Combined Snare Strainer and Muffler" is distinct in that it is formed from stamped steel rather than cast brass. Also, Dodge's mechanism bridges over the snare gates cut into the bottom counterhoop whereas McIntosh's mounts below the cutout. Wording stamped into this example indicates that Dodge applied for a patent of his design though it appears to have never come to fruition as no records of a patent having been granted can be found, and later examples lack any stamp referencing a patent at all. <br />
<br />
<table><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHKssD1Ni08/XQvSyZhj8KI/AAAAAAAACaY/Rx5Eu-ezT0I_kvVLwXlMRcDpZpLBwYpMgCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_label.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHKssD1Ni08/XQvSyZhj8KI/AAAAAAAACaY/Rx5Eu-ezT0I_kvVLwXlMRcDpZpLBwYpMgCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_label.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a></td><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnH-TISojAU/XQvS5rTzKdI/AAAAAAAACac/pimlK2linSE4N__FM7iAcGxWJidTokfGgCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge%2Bbadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnH-TISojAU/XQvS5rTzKdI/AAAAAAAACac/pimlK2linSE4N__FM7iAcGxWJidTokfGgCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge%2Bbadge.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a></td></tr>
</table><br />
The tensioning system implemented here is what Dodge, and later Nokes & Nicolai, described as "double tension". While this is arguably an advancement over the older thumbscrew style, it still yielded a drum which was effectively 'single tension' in that the two heads could not be tuned independently. This particular drum is formed around a shallow, one-ply maple shell which is reinforced inside by thin rings at each bearing edge. <br />
<br />
<table><tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lK_F6s8k0M/XQvM6mNKKzI/AAAAAAAACaA/ufnVbjQnMrArV3GmJoj67TZkCeWwiU1uQCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_strainer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lK_F6s8k0M/XQvM6mNKKzI/AAAAAAAACaA/ufnVbjQnMrArV3GmJoj67TZkCeWwiU1uQCLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_strainer.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a></td><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRzyoI1chps/XQvNEr4wv9I/AAAAAAAACaE/tXv7ZOqy1Z8TiQ6Y8xRh9d5_zW7y-AoUACLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_butt.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRzyoI1chps/XQvNEr4wv9I/AAAAAAAACaE/tXv7ZOqy1Z8TiQ6Y8xRh9d5_zW7y-AoUACLcBGAs/s1600/dodge_butt.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a></td></tr>
</table><br />
Overall, this is a well preserved example of a roughly 110 year old snare drum. The original shellac finish and nickel plated hardware are in good condition and needed only a gentle cleaning and hand polishing to bring back a nice sheen while preserving enough patina to let the age show through. New calfskins tucked onto the existing, and possibly original, flesh hoops completed this soft restoration. <br />
<br />
Do you have an drum made by the F. E. Dodge Company? I would love to see it! Feel free to send Lee an email anytime at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century drum makers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://bostondrumbuilders.com" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-33489435481806334362019-09-01T10:30:00.001-04:002020-11-02T14:16:05.326-05:00The Carl E. Gardner Free Tension DrumCarl Gardner is not well known for his imprint on musical instrument manufacturing. There is no mention of him in Christine Merrick Ayars' <a href="http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001454791" target="_blank"><u><i>Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston, 1640-1936</i></u></a>, the single most comprehensive resource for information on early 20th century musical instrument makers of Boston, Massachusetts. But Gardner did for several years partner with trombonist Fortunato Sordillo to form the Sordillo Correspondence School of Music and later the Sordillo-Gardner Music Company which would soon become known as Sordillo-Gardner Inc. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H42AYGLtK8/XQ_f4KnF6sI/AAAAAAAACa8/tKFeA_-mZvYhD5-pLRamkEZ0njS66qBywCLcBGAs/s1600/Gardner_drum_ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H42AYGLtK8/XQ_f4KnF6sI/AAAAAAAACa8/tKFeA_-mZvYhD5-pLRamkEZ0njS66qBywCLcBGAs/s1600/Gardner_drum_ad.jpg" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="379" alt="1922 Carl E. Gardner Free Tension Drum advertisement"/></a><br />
<br />
Both Sordillo and Gardner were one-time members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and each would later hold teaching positions in the Boston Public Schools. Their business partnership, first formed around 1919, dealt a variety of instruments and accessories related mostly to brass and percussion and was, for a time, a distributor for Holton band instruments. Much advertising was devoted to Sordillo's patented mutes and mouthpieces with less attention paid to Gardner's <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US1282406A/" target="_blank"><u>patented machine timpani</u></a> and so-called "Free Tension Drum" seen here. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OKDSQXna3Y/XUCBOZxIMLI/AAAAAAAACcY/lA5j0e4UJusQd0aHMvQrtv32-Z_HfFT6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Gardner_Sordillo_drum.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OKDSQXna3Y/XUCBOZxIMLI/AAAAAAAACcY/lA5j0e4UJusQd0aHMvQrtv32-Z_HfFT6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Gardner_Sordillo_drum.jpg" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="500" alt="Carl E. Gardner Free Tension Drum, ca. early 1920s"/></a><br />
<br />
Carlton Edward Gardner, born April 13, 1885, was a native of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts and spent at least a decade of his youth living in Lynn, Massachusetts with his mother and stepfather. Gardner resided in Lynn as late as 1910 before moving to Boston by 1913 where he was married to Marion Gertrude Dillon on September 15th of that year. By the time he became a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1915 he was in his early 30s and already a published author. <br />
<br />
Gardner's <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Essentials_of_Music_Theory.html?id=8IsZAAAAYAAJ" target="_blank"><u><i>Essentials of Music Theory</i></u></a> (1912) was the first of several books published by Carl Fischer followed by <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Music_Composition.html?id=ZsMPAAAAYAAJ" target="_blank"><u><i>Music Composition: A New Method of Harmony</i></u></a> (1918), <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Gardner_Modern_Method_for_the_Instru.html?id=VtE-AAAAYAAJ" target="_blank"><u><i>Modern Method for the Instruments of Percussion</i></u></a> (1919) and the expansively titled <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112066832939&view=1up&seq=5"><u><i>The Military Drummer; a Manual on Drum Playing as Practiced in the United States Army and Navy adapted to School and Scout Corps including Drum Duties with Fife and Bugle</i></u></a> (1918). Gardner also edited Frank Edward Dodge's <i>Dodge Drum School</i> (1909) for republication by the Columbia Music Company shortly after the authors death in 1918. The title would be edited once again by George Lawrence Stone and republished by George B. Stone & Son in 1928.<br />
<br />
<center><table><tr><td><font size="5" color="555555">Gardner was a widely published author and headed the Boston Society of Musical Instrument Manufacturers, but his snare drum design never gained much traction. <hr></font></td></tr>
</table></center><br />
Following his departure from the Boston Symphony in 1920, Gardner helped to spearhead the Boston Society of Musical Instrument Manufacturers which aimed to further promote Boston as a center for musical instrument manufacturing. Gardner was one of three directors of the Society, the other two being William S. Haynes and George Lawrence Stone. Among the Society's principal initiatives was a push to encourage Boston schools to purchase instruments locally rather than patronize dealers and makers from other cities or foreign countries. Members of the Society included the Boston Musical Instrument Co, Christenson & Co Inc., Cundy-Bettoney Co., William S. Haynes Co., A. E. Mathey, <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2014/01/who-was-j-oettinger.html"><u>Musicians Supply Co.</u></a>, <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/nokes-nicolai" target="_blank"><u>Nokes & Nicolai</u></a>, Sordillo Gardner Inc., <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone" target="_blank"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a> and the Vega Company. Gardner's industry presence was evidently short lived as advertising for Sordillo-Gardner ceases after the early 1920s. The Boston Society of Musical Instrument Manufacturers appears to have had a smilarly brief lifespan. <br />
<br />
Gardner's timpani and snare drum designs never gained much traction. It is telling that Gardner's <i>Modern Method for the Instruments of Percussion</i> contains photographs of the author playing snare drums which are not of his own make. The 1919 edition pictures him with what looks to be a Duplex drum while the 1927 edition shows him playing a George B. Stone & Son <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model</u></a>.<br />
<br />
<table><tr><td align=center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osTA7WMLCuM/XUeHcdavtLI/AAAAAAAACdA/gLakTK1gqc0gLhF-6P3MCeTqiiBPoYe-QCLcBGAs/s1600/1919_Gardner_method.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osTA7WMLCuM/XUeHcdavtLI/AAAAAAAACdA/gLakTK1gqc0gLhF-6P3MCeTqiiBPoYe-QCLcBGAs/s1600/1919_Gardner_method.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="296" /></a><font size="1">Gardner's Modern Method - 1919 edition</font></td><td align=center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyRtbfMQ1CY/XUeHfqKEP1I/AAAAAAAACdE/hl7X1esoQuMVQneJ4BGF1w7oIbppdscmwCLcBGAs/s1600/1927_Gardner_method.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyRtbfMQ1CY/XUeHfqKEP1I/AAAAAAAACdE/hl7X1esoQuMVQneJ4BGF1w7oIbppdscmwCLcBGAs/s1600/1927_Gardner_method.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="296" /></a><font size="1">Gardner's Modern Method - 1927 edition</font></td></tr>
</table><br />
Gardner's Free Tension Drum is uncomplicated in design and is essentially a single tension thumbscrew model. The main selling point was an extended collar, meaning that the flesh hoops do not come in contact with the shell, which was allowed for by oversized cast aluminum counterhoops. The major drawback was that the bearing edges were left unprotected from rimshots which could potentially ravage the shell. Gardner's model on the whole reads as something less than a professional model when compared even with local makers, and certainly Ludwig or Leedy who were leading the golden age of American drum building during the 1920s. Perhaps Gardner's drum was aimed at students or school music programs which would make sense given his future career teaching in the public schools. Regardless, his drums seem to have achieved very little foothold in the market and surviving examples are scant. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPwi1Jr3e2k/XUXFcCLZP8I/AAAAAAAACcs/xd-hzVa_h5YE5nR1g_bs9QQcHk_mNRN4ACLcBGAs/s1600/gardner_badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPwi1Jr3e2k/XUXFcCLZP8I/AAAAAAAACcs/xd-hzVa_h5YE5nR1g_bs9QQcHk_mNRN4ACLcBGAs/s1600/gardner_badge.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="533" alt="Carl E. Gardner Free Tension Drum, ca. early 1920s"/></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSRzocdcJAE/XUXFgtAYFHI/AAAAAAAACcw/gi-5gJOyc5MviZzivDIqXSJyKvJ2gZjvgCLcBGAs/s1600/gardner_butt.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSRzocdcJAE/XUXFgtAYFHI/AAAAAAAACcw/gi-5gJOyc5MviZzivDIqXSJyKvJ2gZjvgCLcBGAs/s1600/gardner_butt.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="533" alt="Carl E. Gardner Free Tension Drum, ca. early 1920s"/></a><br />
<br />
The snare mechanism is basic yet functional in that it allows the snares to be adjusted gradually or to quickly be disengaged. The shell measures in at 14" across by just under 5" deep and is formed from a thin single ply of maple with reinforcing rings at either bearing edge. Sordillo-Gardner advertising makes mention of a metal shell being available for $35. Wood shell drums were priced at $30. One noticeable difference in the example featured above from the one pictured in Sordillo-Gardner's advertising is that the tension rods are adjusted using wingnuts positioned underneath the bottom counterhoop rather than from on top of the batter side hoop, a player friendly modification preventing the possibility that the wingnuts could interfere with the performer's sticks. <br />
<br />
Do you have a Sordillo-Gardner drum? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?subject=Sordillo%20Gardner%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on the early 20th century drum manufacturers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.<br />
<br />
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1909078839167610316.post-75395631168113049482019-08-04T10:30:00.000-04:002019-08-04T10:30:01.651-04:001925 Geo. B. Stone & Son Master-Model DrumMore than 800 <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/05/the-george-b-stone-son-master-model-drum.html"><u>Master-Model drums</u></a> were produced by Boston's <a href="https://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/stone"><u>George B. Stone & Son</u></a> between 1922 and the late 1930s. A wide variety of finishes were offered from black lacquer to white lacquer, and <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2016/04/blond-master-model-with-provenance.html"><u>natural maple</u></a> to <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2016/12/ca-1936-white-marine-pearl-george-b.html"><u>marine pearl</u></a> and <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2018/12/geo-b-stone-son-silver-sparkle-pyralin.html"><u>sparkling pyralin</u></a> wrap. But the most commonly seen configuration is the ever classy black lacquer with nickel plated hardware.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nXrEca0VIM/XPAveS0YwTI/AAAAAAAACX4/f3JSXWBebUkwXvakimUP8uCWiWsSs4TPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9279.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nXrEca0VIM/XPAveS0YwTI/AAAAAAAACX4/f3JSXWBebUkwXvakimUP8uCWiWsSs4TPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9279.jpg" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" alt="1925 George B. Stone & Son Master-Model Drum" /></a><br />
<br />
Not every surviving drum can be a gem. The one featured here is a weathered example having sustained its share of bumps and bruises over the decades yet its three ply shell is no less strong and in round despite the obvious cosmetic flaws. The typical Master-Model badge is affixed to the top counterhoop positioned just above the air vent adorned with a ridged synthetic grommet.<br />
<br />
<table><tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egKeDr8Nj4M/XPAsyYSNtKI/AAAAAAAACXc/xJjVtDZZQF0LESKViSqoJgGO-92N4NSXwCLcBGAs/s1600/badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egKeDr8Nj4M/XPAsyYSNtKI/AAAAAAAACXc/xJjVtDZZQF0LESKViSqoJgGO-92N4NSXwCLcBGAs/s1600/badge.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="250" /></a></td><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMkf-uJRuUk/XPAs9bDHMFI/AAAAAAAACXg/LuF2R-00Z2E_9zpw0okDlp0BvJHYxVpowCLcBGAs/s1600/label.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMkf-uJRuUk/XPAs9bDHMFI/AAAAAAAACXg/LuF2R-00Z2E_9zpw0okDlp0BvJHYxVpowCLcBGAs/s1600/label.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="250" /></a></td></tr>
</table><br />
The paper label applied inside of the shell is stamped with a four digit serial number per usual but lacks a detectable date stamp. Curiously, a second label hides underneath. The second label, mostly obscured from view, does bear a date stamp though it is not completely legible. But by referencing other dated examples, this drum can be pinpointed to the early months of 1925.<br />
<br />
Workers at the Stone factory were keeping a running tally of each Master-Model produced. <a href="http://blog.bostondrumbuilders.com/2015/07/stone-master-model-dating-guide-part-ii.html"><u>Pencil markings</u></a> found inside of the shell and underneath the counterhoops identify this drum as the 334th Master-Model to be produced. <br />
<br />
<table><tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6w1-2HhU3Hk/XPAtFE1LCnI/AAAAAAAACXk/l0wP5M5d4VEeyC7-zlphUgtvD574qM3wACLcBGAs/s1600/double_label.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6w1-2HhU3Hk/XPAtFE1LCnI/AAAAAAAACXk/l0wP5M5d4VEeyC7-zlphUgtvD574qM3wACLcBGAs/s1600/double_label.jpg" data-original-width="399" data-original-height="400" /></a></td><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ0TYCTMoaI/XPAtKPhYP_I/AAAAAAAACXo/BV6Cy3syBeMwEyZCFshXIZByEl3SB6w2gCLcBGAs/s1600/MM_number.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ0TYCTMoaI/XPAtKPhYP_I/AAAAAAAACXo/BV6Cy3syBeMwEyZCFshXIZByEl3SB6w2gCLcBGAs/s1600/MM_number.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="400" /></a></td></tr>
</table><br />
Do you have a Stone Master-Model? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send Lee an email at <a href="mailto:lee@vinson.net?subject=Geo.%20B.%20Stone%20Drums"><u>lee@vinson.net</u></a>. And for more on George B. Stone & Son and the other early 20th century drum manufacturers of Boston, Massachusetts, please visit <a href="http://www.bostondrumbuilders.com/" target="_blank"><u>BostonDrumBuilders.com</u></a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
percleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16954899480893818599noreply@blogger.com