Wood shell drums are the most common American military drums of the 1851-1872 period but Todd notes the use of brass bodied drums like this as well. Many were likely purchased and used by militia companies. This is likely a French import and would have looked rather grand polished for a parade and with the brass giving a deeper tone than one might expect. The shell shows a bracket near one edge with an empty hole above it that may have mounted a mechanical tightener for the snare. A small ring near the other edge may have been for a drum sling or drum cords. The brass has an untouched, aged patina with some stains, no large dents or dings, but one small tear at the ring. The rims show lots of use and wear to the paint, which is now brown with some red tones, and was likely red to begin with. One head has tears, and is neatly folded around the flesh hoop. The other is crudely wrapped and stitched around a flesh hoop that itself may repaired underneath. That head shows red stains that might be from a label or inscription, but is illegible. The remnants of a snare are stretched across it, anchored to the outside of the rim by a simple leather button. The rope has a good deal of age and is stretched thin at points, indicating it has been on there for a long time, and certainly looks so.

This looks somewhat primitive now, but very much appears to be something used by a well-heeled militia company that found its way into less prosperous hands, but was kept in a serviceable condition as local resources permitted. It would look well in a display of weapons and gear hastily assembled by the many early war volunteers eager to form companies and to get into the fray before it was over.  [sr][ph:m]

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