3147 WONDERFUL PAINT DECORATED CIVIL WAR ERA DRUM.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
This drum measures approx. 13 3/4" in height and 17 1/4" in diameter. The body of the drum has a 28” decorative scrollwork painting with a central 7” diameter circular polychromatic painting depicting a drum major directing four drummers. The drum major, as well as all of the drummers, appear to be in regulation Civil War uniforms with regulation drums. The painting has a decidedly folky feeling; however, the artist did exhibit significant skill in executing the image. Both heads are intact, as is the snare on the base. Both rims have a dark brown natural finish and have metal clips, both top and bottom, laced with the original ropes. A few partial original tugs are present. An interior label reads, in part, “W.G. METZEROTT SUCCESSOR TO _____ SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, ELEVENTH _____ WASHINGTON CITY, DC”. William G. Metzerott appears in the 1860 census of Washington City as a merchant. His ad in the Daily National Intelligencer of 1/16/1862 advertises, in part, “FRENCH DRUMS BUGLES BRASS INSTRUMENTS of all kinds, Clarionets, Flutes, & c. – We have just received, by the steam ship Arago, a large assortment of French brass drums / French field bugles, for Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery… at the Music Store of W.G. METZEROTT”. CONDITION: the drum shows significant use, but the painted embellishments remain quite clear with eye-catching, vivid colors. The top rim has damage, with some losses at the top, likely from banging with drumsticks. The bottom rim shows light wear. Both heads are complete, with no splits but minor staining. Ropes are substantially complete. Only a few partial tugs remain. (02-21032/BF). $3,000-4,500.