Early 1940s Ludwig & Ludwig ‘Victory’ 14x6.5” in White Lacquer

Here is a truly fascinating piece of history and design around the time of World War II that I am proud to offer up for sale.

In 1941, when America entered into World War 2, metals such as brass and steel were quickly needed for the production of war related materials. 

In 1942, the American war production board and US government ordered a reduction in the use of non-essential items. Newly manufactured goods such as musical instruments had to be constructed using only 10% metal. This led to the halting of production for brass and wind instruments and for drum companies, they had to quickly adapt their production. There was also lots of saving and using household metals. 

Whilst the limitations and restrictions that were in place between 1942-45 created problems overnight for American drum companies, it did lead to some very unique and creative designs. Ludwig & Ludwig offered 'Victory', Slingerland had 'Rolling Bomber' models, Leedy had 'Dreadnaut', WFL had 'Victorious' and Gretsch had 'Defender'. In my research, I found these Slingerland receipts from 1945 and 46 from coopersvintagedrums.com that state 'We don't have any cymbals' and 'Only cowbell available is 3 1/2". 

I also found out that in 1943, the sale of sliced bread was banned to conserve the metal blades. To me, I find it amazing that this drum exists. There are others around but not many.

This drum is date stamped 1941 (amongst another stamp that I can’t make out) , although it could have been assembled later. The catalog states the drum as using ‘minimum critical metals’ and giving ‘maximum performance’, as well as some pretty intriguing connotations.

The drum is 3-ply maple shell with re-rings finished in original white lacquer which has crazed/aged beautifully with minimal aging or peeling.

6-lug design.

There is no lever on the strainer to remove or engage the wires so the wires are permanently engaged.

The drum features no butt end and instead uses an ingenious way of attaching the wires.

Whilst the lugs are wooden, there are metal inserts and springs inside.

There is some seperation in the original hoops, I think this is from over tensioning old calf heads by a previous owner.

See photos for condition.

Freshly cleaned in my workshop in February 2025.

Fitted with brand new Remo Vintage Ambassador and Ambassador Snare Side heads.

1948-1950 Slingerland Radio King 'Hollywood Ace Swing Model' 14x7"

Solid 1-ply maple shell with maple reinforcing hoops.

Original ‘duco’ lacquer finish.

All original nickel over brass hardware including three point strainer, internal dampener, double flange Radio King stamped hoops and tension rods.

The drum shows signs of wear but is in great condition considering it’s age.

As often the case with old Radio Kings, the batter head is a little tight but does go on fine with some tension. The reso head fits fine.

There is some gaps in the reinforcing rings which is quite common for these drums.

See photos for condition.

Freshly cleaned up in my workshop January 2025.

Fitted with brand new Remo Vintage Ambassador batter and Ambassador Hazy snare side, with brand new Puresound Custom Pro Steel wires.

See below for a video of this exact drum in action.

12 October 1965 Leedy‘Combo Outfit No. 163’ in Charcoal Satin Flame sized 20x14”, 12x8”, 16x16” with matching Shelly Manne Model 14x5.5" snare.

Legendary 3-ply shells with reinforcing rings from the Slingerland factory.

From studying the 1965 catalog, I suspect this is a 'Combo Outfit No. 163' with added 16" floor, or it could also be a 'Shelly Manne Outfit No. 11' with the 13" replaced for a 12". Either way, we’ll never really know, and it honestly doesn’t matter…. it’s an incredible set.

You don’t often see many Leedy kits up for grabs in the UK, and you certainly don’t see them in this finish.

On the whole, the kit is in remarkable shape for its age.

Satin flame wraps often come with ‘spider webbing’ around hardware, and this set is no exception, but it’s really not as bad as expected.

Please see photos for condition.

Freshly cleaned up in my workshop November 2024.

Fitted with brand new Remo heads and original Leedy front bass drum head.

12x8”

Date stamped 12 Oct 65.

No badge. This was standard procedure for Leedy and Slingerland kits of this era.

3-ply shell - maple (inner), poplar, mahogany (outer) with maple rerings

Original chrome hardware including chrome over brass ‘stick saver hoops’, tension rods and internal dampener.

Ludwig mount has been added. Two extra holes have accomodated this but they are hidden behind the mount.

Inner ply has dried and split. This is common.

More ‘spider webbing’ on this drum.

Fitted with brand new Vintage Coated Ambassador and Coated Ambassador.

16x16”

No date stamp.

Leedy Chicago badge.

3-ply shell - maple (inner), poplar, mahogany (outer) with maple rerings

Original chrome hardware including chrome over brass ‘stick saver hoops’, tension rods, internal dampener and straight floor tom legs.

Interior coating on this drum. Suggests a later addition?

Fitted with brand new Vintage Coated Ambassador and Coated Ambassador.

20x14”

Date stamped Oct 65.

Leedy Chicago badge.

3-ply shell - maple (inner), poplar, mahogany (outer) with maple rerings

Original chrome hardware including tension rods, claws (straight from Slingerlands Radio King era sets) and cymbal holder.

The original tom rail has been switched for a 60s Ludwig. Two extra holes have accomodated this switch and means the rail is closer to the player.

Fitted with brand new Coated Ambassador and original Leedy bass drum head.

14x5.5”

Date stamped Oct 65.

Leedy Chicago badge.

3-ply shell - maple (inner), poplar, mahogany (outer) with maple rerings

Original chrome hardware including chrome over brass ‘stick saver hoops’, 8193 strainer, butt end, tension rods and internal dampener.

Fitted with brand new Vintage Coated Ambassador and snare-side Ambassador with brand new Puresound Custom Pro snare wires.

See below for a video of this kit and snare in action.