Hey all,

I'm just buying this Slingerland snare. This drum appears to be a rare( or prototype?) 6.5x14" metal-shelled Radio King from the late '30s/early '40s. The top rim has the 'Slingerland Radio King' engraving. The drum sports 8 x double ended lugs with inserts, 3-point strainer, snare brackets, internal tone-control - all parts are present and seem to be original. There's not any badge on the drum and probably has never been, at least there's no sign of a removed badge.

What I'm not sure of though is the shell material. I think it is nickel over brass but would appreciate some light to be thrown on this. Would also love to know more about the shell-construction; 1-piece, spun, 2-piece, welding, etc. I'm buying the drum from an experienced vintage seller/collector in the USA but because this is the first metal RK he came upon he doesn't know all the specs. Mike Glibert's article on RK's deals with the metal shell-versions very briefly. From this article I know that metal shelled RK's were offered 'officially' in the years 1940-41 in 6.5x14" size only and were named 'The Radio King Artist Model'. These drums had 8 scalopped beavertail lugs and had no snare brackets. Like I said, the drum I'm buying has snare brackets.

Any help & additional info on this drum will be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot & peace,

Gabor