Annotated Checklist of Snare Drums Made by Ludwig Companies

Note:  The term badge denotes a nameplate bearing the maker's trademark that is affixed to the shell of the drum typically around the air hole.

NMM 10091.  Snare drum by Trommel-Fabrik Weissenfels (changed to Sonor in 1907), Weissenfels an der Saale, Germany, ca. 1900.  Brass shell, 6-1/2" x 13".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs with rods that attach to studs welded on each hoop and to the shell.  Brass rims with edges bent over and rounded. J-hook strainer.  Bought by Sousa drummer Thomas Mills on European tour in 1900.  Subsequently sold to William F. Ludwig, who showed the drum to Ulysses G. Leedy in a failed attempt to have the Leedy Drum Company begin the manufacture of brass-shelled drums.  William F. Ludwig and Theobald Ludwig, who were already selling drum pedals, then began producing brass-shelled, separate-tension snare drums based on this drum.  Ex colls:  William F. Ludwig II; Harry Cangany.  Gift of Harry Cangany, Indianapolis, 2001.

Lit.:  William F. Ludwig,  My Life at the Drums.  Chicago:  Ludwig Drum Company, 1965, pp. 10-11.

Rob Cook,  An Introduction to Vintage Drums.  VHS video.  Alma, Michigan:  Rebeats, 1991.

-------.  The Complete History of the Leedy Drum Company. Fullerton, California: Centerstream Publishing, 1993, p. 16.

James Aldridge,  Guide to Vintage Drums.  Anaheim Hills, California:  Centerstream Publishing, 1994, p. 163.

Harry Cangany,  "The Tom Mills Drum," Modern Drummer, March, 1994, p. 101.

-------.  Great American Drums and the Companies that Made Them.  Cedar Grove, New Jersey:  Modern Drummer Publications, 1996, pp. 32-33.

Paolo Sburlati,   Ludwig Yesterday and Today 1909-1999.  Torino:  Paolo Sburlati Enterprises, 1999, pp. 9-10.

Website Link: The Ludwig Connection

Website Link: Leedy--The Giant of Yesteryear

Jayson Dobney, "Museum Enhances its Percussion Collections with Rare Instruments That Document the American Percussion Industry," America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 1 (February 2002), pp. 4-5.

-------, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 101-102.

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NMM 2969.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1911.  Ludwig and Ludwig's first snare model:  All Metal Separate-Tension Drum.  Brass shell, 5-1/4" x 15-1/2".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat, nickel-plated, stainless-steel rims (hoops) with metal rings soldered onto rims to receive rods.  Combination strainer stamped:  PAT. PEND.  William F. Ludwig II believes this drum may be the earliest extant Ludwig & Ludwig snare drum.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 158-159.

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NMM 965.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1917.  Stamped on batter-head rim:  LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  All-Metal Separate Tension Concert Dance model No. 6.  Two-piece, nickel-plated brass shell, 4" x 15".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat, nickel-plated, stainless steel rims (hoops) with hooks.  Combination strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 172-173.

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NMM 5495.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1917.  Stamped on batter-head rim:  LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Wood Shell Separate Tension model No. 26.  Wood shell, natural finish, 6-1/2" x 15".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Combination strainer.  Gift of Eric LeVan, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 1993.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 170-171.

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NMM 10145. Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1917. Stamped on washers around lug support posts: CHICAGO / LUDWIG & LUDWIG. Mahogany shell, 310mm (12-1/4") x 435mm (17-1/4"), natural finish. Combination rope and rod tension. Six thumb-rod screws below the snare head rim adjust the tension on the rope. Maple rims with roller hooks, six on the snare head rim and twelve on the batter head rim, through which the rope passes. Military strainer. William F. Ludwig II Collection, 2002.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 178-179.

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NMM 2997.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1920.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Sixteen Thumb-Rod Orchestra model No. 40. Mahogany shell, natural finish, 5" x 15".  Single tension.  Sixteen thumb-rod lugs.  Maple rims.  Pioneer model strainer, PAT. PEND. stamped on handle.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 181-182.

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NMM 4198.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1920.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Ludwig Thumb-Rod Drum model No. 66.  Walnut shell, natural finish, 5" x 15".  Single tension.  Ten thumb-rod screw lugs.  Maple rims.  Pioneer model strainer, PAT. PEND. stamped on handle.  Gift of Ruth Shipley, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1987.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 188-189.

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NMM 2983.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1920.  Stamped on batter-head rim:  LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Band model No. 3.  Two-piece metal shell, 6-1/2" x 15".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Pioneer model strainer, PAT. APPLIED FOR stamped on handle.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 190-191.

NMM 10146. Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1920. Stamped below vent hole: Ludwig. Metal shell, 95mm (3-3/4") x 305mm (12"). Single tension. Five thumb-rod screws. Wood rims, painted black with small metal bands that circle the center of the rims. Nickel-plated snare adjuster on snare head rim. First drum used by William F. Ludwig II. William F. Ludwig II Collection, 2002.

Lit.: William F. Ludwig II, The Making of a Drum Company: The Autobiography of William F. Ludwig II. Alma, Michigan: Rebeats Publications, 2001, p. 5.

Jayson Dobney, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 192-194.

NMM 10403.  Snare drum by Ludiwg & Ludwig, Chicago, early 1920s.  Stamped on shell: Ludwig / TRADEMARK. All-Metal Separate Tension Dance model No. 5. Nickel-plated, two-piece brass shell with center bead, 118mm (4-5/8") x 388mm (15-1/4"). Separate tension. Eight, two-center post tube lugs with clips. Pioneer strainer. Gift of Thomas Murphy, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 2003.

NMM 7449.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, 1920-1925.  Engraved on shell:  Ludwig / CHICAGO.  Deluxe Standard model No. 1c.  Two-piece gunmetal shell, engraved in Artgold scroll pattern, 5" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Pioneer model strainer.  Gift of Arlo Wirth, Hartington, Nebraska, 1999.

Lit.:  Margaret Downie Banks, "Vintage 'Black Beauty' Rolls out of Closet," America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter, Vol. 27, No. 2 (May 2000), p. 5.

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NMM 228.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1920-1926.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Separate Tension Street model No. 221.  Mahogany shell, natural finish, 10" x 16".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 3028.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1925.  Stamped on brace for snare strainer:  Ludwig & Ludwig Chicago, Ill. U.S.A.  Cadet model No. 255.  Wood shell, natural finish, 10" x 14".  Single tension.  Four thumb-rod screw lugs.  Wood rims.  Thumb-rod screw strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 10105.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Chicago, ca. 1925. Stamped on brass badge: Ludwig / TRADEMARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO. Sixteen Thumb-rod Screw Orchestra Drum No. 42. Mahogany shell, 165mm (6-1/2") x 395mm (15-1/2"). Single tension. Sixteen thumb-rod screw lugs. Flat maple rims (hoops). Pioneer strainer stamped: PAT. PEND. Arne B. Larson Estate, 1988.

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NMM 3005.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, ca. 1930.  Stamped on batter head rim: Ludwig. Junior Snare Drum model No. 4395. One-piece metal shell with center bead, 91mm (3-1/2") x 334mm (13-1/4"). Single tension. Six thumb-rod screw lugs. Flat metal rims (hoops). Throw-off strainer. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 9968.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, 1930s.  Black paper label with gold text:  Ludwig.  Ludwig Juvenile Snare model No. 4315.  Wood shell, natural finish, 3" x 12".  Single tension.  Six thumb-rod screw lugs.  Wood rims.  Arne B. Larson Estate, 1988.

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NMM 2457.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, ca. 1935.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO U.S.A.  Triumphal model No. 222.  Wood shell, red lacquer with a center strip of cream-colored plastic veneer added, 12" x 16".  Stamped inside shell:  3507 and 341.  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs.  Single-flanged metal rims (hoops).  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 2458.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, 1935. Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Triumphal model No. 222.  Wood shell, red lacquer with a center strip of cream-colored plastic veneer added, 12" x 16".  Stamped inside shell:  3508.  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs.  Single-flanged metal rims (hoops).  P-34 model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 2459.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, 1935.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO. U.S.A.  Triumphal model No. 222.  Wood shell, red lacquer with a center strip of cream-colored plastic veneer added, 12" x 16".  Stamped inside shell:  3504.  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs.  Single-flanged metal rims (hoops).  P-34 model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 231.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1937.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / LINE (stamped within lyre design) / TRADE MARK / Wm F. LUDWIG / DRUM COMPANY / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Wood shell, natural finish, 10" x 14".  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 3003.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1940.  Keystone, brass badge:  W.F.L. / DRUM CO. / Wm F Ludwig / President / 1728 N DAMEN AVE / CHICAGO.  Wood shell, natural finish with letters U.S. painted on side in blue.  Rope tension.  Wood rims.  Metal screw strainer in wood brace.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 10752.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Company, Chicago, ca. 1941. Keystone, brass badge: WFL / DRUM CO. / Wm F LUDWIG FOUNDER (stamped in circle around air hole) / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE / CHICAGO, U.S.A. Three-ply wood shell, black pearl finish, 312mm (12") x 391mm (15-3/8"). Separate (double) tension. Eight stamped zephyr lugs. Triple-flanged metal rims. Twin sensitive strainers controlling one set of six gut snares and one set of six wire wound silk snares. Gift of E. A. Richard, Dallas, Texas, 2004.

NMM 3011.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1942.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / DRUM CO. / WM F LUDWIG FOUNDER (stamped in circle around air hole) / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Mahogany shell, natural finish, 14" x 16".  Patented Strupe internal tension.  Wood rims.  Metal screw strainer in wood brace.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

NMM 10147. Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1942. Keystone, brass badge: WFL / DRUM CO. / WM F LUDWIG FOUNDER (stamped in circle around air hole) / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE / CHICAGO, U.S.A. Mahogany shell, maroon finish, 310mm (12") x 370mm (14-1/2"). Patented Strupe internal tension. Wood rims with bands of marine pearl finish decorating the outside. Metal screw strainer in wood brace. William F. Ludwig II Collection, 2002.

NMM 223.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, 1943.  Oval, white, enamel badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / MADE IN U.S.A.  Victory model.  Wood shell, natural finish, 12" x 16".  Stamped inside shell:  4310.  Separate (double) tension.  Six wood cigar-shaped lugs screwed directly into rims.  Wood rims.  Metal screw strainer in wood brace.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 236.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, 1943.  Oval, white, enamel badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / MADE IN U.S.A.  Wood shell, natural finish with letters US painted on side in green and gold, 14" x 15".  Stamped inside shell:  4307.  Rope tension.  Wood rims.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 235.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, mid-1940's.  Oval, Ludwigold badge:  GENUINE / Ludwigold / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Wood shell, natural finish with letters US painted on side in green and gold.  Rope tension.  Wood rims.  P-34 model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 3013.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, before 1946.  Stamped on batter-head outside rim:  Ludwig / PIONEER / MODEL.  Oval, brass badge:  PIONEER / Ludwig Ludwig / MODEL / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Mahogany shell, natural finish, 4" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight tube lugs.  Single-flanged metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Pioneer model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 2453.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, before 1946.  Oval, white, enamel badge:  Ludwig / Trade Mark / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / MADE IN U.S.A.  Wood shell, red lacquer, 12" x 15".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight Imperial model lugs.  Double-flanged metal rims (hoops).  P-34 model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 233.  Snare drum shell by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, before 1946.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Wood shell, natural finish, 5" x 15".  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 2456.  Parade drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, before 1946.  Oval, white, enamel badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / MADE IN U.S.A.  Triumphal model No. 220.  Wood shell, red lacquer with a center strip of cream-colored plastic veneer added.  Separate (double) tension.  Eight Imperial model lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  P-34 model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 2319.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, ca. 1946-1950.  Stamped on batter-head rim (hoop):  LUDWIG & LUDWIG / made in U.S.A. / Elkhart, Indiana.  Part of the Detroiter Outfit (drum set).  Wood shell, white lacquer, 6-1/2" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with clips.  Pioneer model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 6155.  Snare drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1947.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / DRUM CO. / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE. / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Ray McKinley model No. 902P.  Wood shell, sparkle-gold pearl finish, 6-1/2" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight small Classic model lugs.  Triple-flanged metal rims (hoops).  Classic model strainer with PAT. PEND. stamp.  Ex coll.:    Tom Ptak, Wagner, South Dakota.  Gift of Phoebe J. Orton, Eagan, Minnesota, 1997.

Lit:  Jayson Dobney, "Museum's Archives Document South Dakota's Bohemian Musical Heritage," America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter, Vol. 26, No. 1 (February 1999), pp. 4-5.

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NMM 224.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1948.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / DRUM CO. / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE. / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Legionnaire model No. 3071.  Mahogany shell, white lacquer with center strip painted red.  Single tension.  Eight double claw-hook lugs.  Maple rims. P-34 model strainer. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 3025.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, before 1950.  Stamped on batter-head rim (hoop):  LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Mahogany shell, natural finish, 7" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  WFL strainer.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 2974.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, before 1950.  Stamped on batter-head rim (hoop):  LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Oval, brass badge:  Ludwig / TRADE MARK / LUDWIG & LUDWIG / CHICAGO.  Wood shell, natural finish, 6" x 15".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Pioneer model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 806.  Snare drum by Ludwig & Ludwig, Elkhart, ca. 1950.  Stamped on batter-head rim (hoop):  Ludwig / UNIVERSAL / MODEL.  Universal model No. 32.  Wood shell, white lacquer, 6-1/2" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Six tube lugs.  Flat metal rims (hoops) with hooks.  Pioneer model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 3035.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1956.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / DRUM Co. / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE. / CHICAGO U.S.A.  J. Burns Moore model No. 3092.  Mahogany shell, natural finish, 10" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight Classic model lugs.  Triple-flanged metal rims (hoops).  P-83 model strainer.  Gift of Faye Folsom, Garretson, South Dakota, 1982.

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NMM 3036.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1956.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / DRUMS / LUDWIG DRUM CO / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  J. Burns Moore model No. 3092.  Walnut shell, natural finish, 10" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight Classic model lugs.  Triple-flanged metal rims (hoops).  P-83 model strainer.  Gift of Faye Folsom, Garretson, South Dakota, 1982.

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NMM 3008.  Parade drum by WFL Drum Co., Chicago, ca. 1956.  Keystone, brass badge:  WFL / DRUM CO / 1728 N. DAMEN AVE. / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  J. Burns Moore model No. 3200P.  Wood shell, sparkle-blue pearl finish, 10" x 15".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight Classic model lugs.  Triple-flanged metal rims (hoops).  P-83 model strainer.  Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.

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NMM 6152.  Snare drum by Ludwig Drum Company, Chicago, ca. 1965.  Keystone, brass badge:  629769 / LUDWIG DRUM CO. / CHICAGO, U.S.A.  Super Classic model No. 900PC.  Serial No.: 629769.  Wood shell, sparkle-green pearl finish, 5" x 14".  Separate (double) tension.  Eight Classic model lugs.  Triple-flanged metal rims (hoops).  Classic model strainer.  Ex coll.: Tom Ptak, Wagner, South Dakota.    Gift of Phoebe J. Orton, Eagan, Minnesota, 1997.

Lit.:  Jayson Dobney, "Museum's Archives Document South Dakota's Bohemian Musical Heritage," America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter, Vol. XXVI, No. 1 (February 1999), pp. 4-5.

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