NICKEL SILVER DRUM ID’D TO 11TH MAINE SOLDER

$2,350.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 36-16

The body of this drum is most unusual in that it is made entirely of nickeled silver. The size and shape is similar to other drums of the period. The drum meas. approx. 13.50 inches tall and is approx. 16.75 inches wide.

The silver body is in good condition with only light surface dirt and staining from age and storage. There are no dents or cracks. One side of the drum has a double line of rivets which hold the body together. The front has the usual view hole but there is no label inside. Around the view hole in white paint is “W. F. PETERS / 11th ME VOLS / 1863.” The letters meas. approx. 0.75 of an inch high. All are clearly visible but the “S” in “PETERS” which has faded but is still detectable.

The wood hoops are painted white with a diamond shaped pattern done in red paint. About 95%+ of the paint remains with just minor loss from wear and age. The white paint has cackling and some light to moderate surface dirt. Both heads are original and split along the edge. The top head looks to have originally had a painted blue edge. Some of this paint remains on the head and the inside edge of the hoop.

The tension rope looks to be the original or a very early replacement. It is complete and unbroken. All of the leather “ears” are original and all but one is complete. The one ear that is torn is missing only the bottom portion. The rest is still in place around the rope. On the bottom hoop the rope passes through brass loops that are anchored to the side of the wooden hoop by studs and screws. The same arrangement is found at the top. Across the bottom head are the three original cat-gut snares.

We have had this drum examined by two of the leading authorities of Civil War drums and both agree it is American made and correct for the period.

Weldena F. Peters was a 20 year old from Goldsboro, Maine when he enlisted as a Private in Company G, 11th Maine Infantry on November 4, 1861. The regiment was assigned to the 4th Corps of the Army of the Potomac and saw action on the Peninsula being engaged at Lee’s Mills, Fair Oaks and Savages Station. Sometime in 1862 Peters was assigned to the Army hospital at York, Pennsylvania. How long he stayed there is not known.

The 11th Maine was moved to North Carolina in December of 1862 joining the 18th Corps and by April of 1863 they were with the 10th Corps taking part in the siege of Charleston. The regiment saw action on Morris Island and at Drewry’s Bluff as well as Petersburg.

Peters is listed as a musician in 1864 and Principal Musician on June 13, 1865. He was mustered out on February 2, 1866.

This a unique and usual drum with a good ID that would be at home in any Civil War collection.

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