A PRE-CIVIL WAR PAINTED EAGLE DRUM

A PRE-CIVIL WAR PAINTED EAGLE DRUM

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$4,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2024-1209

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To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

A red paper label on the interior of this drum that reads, "KLEMM & BROTHER IMPORTERS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 275 MARKET ST. PHILADELPHIA", allows us to date the drum 1854 to 1857 inclusively. The firm of Klemm and Brothers had a long-standing history as a music store and dealer in musical instruments in Philadelphia.  The Klemm family were German Moravians and had been long established in East Prussia as musical instrument makers and sellers prior to their arrival in the United States sometime before 1816.  In 1819, Frederick A. and Johann G. Klemm opened up a music store at 1 North 4th Street in Philadelphia.  The firm continued in business at various addresses in Philadelphia for almost 80 years. Not all their products were literally imported but were in fact made in the US purchased from manufactures in Philadelphia and the surrounding area; that certainly is the case with this fine drum. Inside this drum above the Klemm label is the actual maker's label. This measures about 3 inches by 2 1/2 and reads: " Drums, Fifes, REGIMENTAL COLOURS, Tamborines. &C. MADE AND REPAIRED BY WILLIAM ENT, GERMANTOWN, Philadelphia County, Pa."  William Ent the actual manufacturer of this offered drum was in business from 1834 to 1865. He had many Army contracts over 30 years.

The wrapped wooden shell of the drum is 12 inches high with a 16-inch diameter. The once likely red painted (counter) hoops are 1 1/2 inches high and 17 inches in diameter. About 60 1/4-inch diameter brass domed tacks in a decorative pattern surround a 1/2-inch diameter air hole fitted with an ebony plug. These tacks are also functional holding the drum together. The heads are made of animal membrane and look period. There are a couple tears in the top skin and another on the bottom, all are innocuous.  The ropes and tension tighteners, found missing, have been recently reintroduced by our restorer. The snares are long gone but their shadow remains on the bottom head. A wonderful 18 inch by 11-inch painted panel with a sky-blue field depicts the spread winged bald eagle the ubiquitous "Stars and Stripes" shield on its breast clasping laurels and arrows in its bellicose claws. Behind the beast, right and left are US pennants/flags on poles with stars and stripes. The strips are red, white and blue. Above the eagle's head is a dark blue oval upon which is a lighter blue ribbon likely intended to be used to paint on a regimental or company designation. If there was something painted here it is not legible. The condition of the painting is excellent and appears to be 95% intact. stable and original.

This drum was certainly made for a Pennsylvania militia company just prior to the Civil War. Please be aware that such "non-regulation" snare drums were carried into service and battle during the war. Many well documented Confederate drums are found today with Federal eagles and motifs that are pre-nullification in design looking very much "Yankee" this is because they are pre-war militia drums that were carried into service unaltered and continued in service until retired and retired in most cases due to changing times and being no longer sensible on the "modern" battlefield. By late 1863 drums were replaced on the field of battle by bugles (horns) in both armies. This is a very fine condition military snare drum with a well-executed no-nonsense eagle painted on it. [pe] [ph:L]

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