Stipelgold drums from different mothers

Hi all,

I got these three snare drums a while back. The 1926 Ludwig & Ludwig drum catalog introduces “Genuine Stipelgold” to the drum market. As collectors we have seen the only “Stipelgold” finish on Ludwig drums but here are three mystery “Stipelgold” snare drums from different mothers (companies).

1935- DUPLEX 5 x 14/13 STIPELGOLD/ARTGOLD SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS MODEL

The finish on this drum is the closest example/match to the 1926-27 L & L Stipelgold finish. An interesting note is that Duplex chose this a an optional finish long after L & L Stipelgold was discontinued but adding to this mystery is the fact that there is no reference to this finish in any of the Duplex catalogs that I have seen.

1925-29 LEEDY 5 x 14 “STIPELGOLD” PROFESSIONAL MODEL  

1925-29 LEEDY 5 x 14 “STIPELGOLD” RELIANCE MODEL

I say “Stipelgold” because I don’t have any other reference as to what Leedy would have called this finish especially since there is no reference to this finish in any of the Leedy catalogs from that era. The finish on these two Leedys resembles very thick/course sandpaper, still more Stipelgold-like than the later (smoother) Ludwigold finish though. I find it interesting that Leedy would put this finish on a lower model like the Reliance Model but there’s always the possibility that these drums may have been prototypes or special orders?

If anyone has more information on these finishes I’d love to see the data. I’m always available so feel free to contact me at mike@curottodrums.com.

Enjoy!

Mike Curotto