Hi,

I just got this drum from my new friend and fellow collector Lance Reed. Lance posted this drum on one of the drum forums and then contacted me for my opinion. I asked him if the drum was for sale and he said that it was for sale so we struck a very fair deal. He got the drum for a very low price and I bought the drum at a fair market value.

1926-29 LEEDY 6 x 14 BLACK ENGRAVED ELITE (*MARVEL STRAINER)

[I]*The Marvel Strainer was first introduced in 1926. Some of the features mentioned in the Leedy catalog are: “1. Releases and applies the snares as a unit... 2. Gives you right results from gut snares... 3. Assures you full vibration under PP or FF blows without readjustment of tensioning screw... 4. Permits the use of different types of snares with same drum by merely changing bridge...” The catalog also states: “If your drum stand arms are set too low to allow the strainer to work free of same, simply bend up one arm as shown in the photo.”

[/I]

Question: Was the Marvel strainer/bridge a predecessor to the Rogers Dyna-Sonic strainer/bridge concept?

THE SHELL:

The shell and engraving definitely shows its age but both were in great shape and just needed a little dusting, 3-in-one oil and minor detailing.

THE HARDWARE:

The Knobby Gold plating was in very good condition with no rust or major tarnish so a minor cleaning and 3-in-one oil application was all that was needed. The drum was in 99.99% original condition, the only missing part was one 4-40 lug attachment screw. Original Leedy top and bottom heads and gut snares were in great shape.

This drum was evenly worn and had a nice patina all around so this was the reason for a “soft” cleaning/restoration.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all cleaning and restorations were this easy?

As always I welcome your comments and similar stories.

Enjoy!

Mike Curotto