After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941 by the Empire of Japan, the United States was thrust into World War Two. The U.S. quickly ramped up wartime production concentrating on weapons and munitions. As a result, the U.S. Government implemented a ten percent policy. Only wartime essentials would be produced. Therefore, manufacturers of non-essential goods and services would be greatly limited to using only ten percent of metals in their products.

All American drum manufacturers were greatly affected with no exception and would need to produce a product that was made of only ten percent of metal. A great example of this was the Slingerland drum company creating the “Rolling Bomber”, “Radio King” drum line. These drums were made using almost all wooden components except for just the metal that was necessary for important components, mainly for tensioning and tuning the drums.

Although, during the war, especially when it came to a U.S. Government contract, a company could be requested to produce a specific product that would not be subject to the ten percent rule. This would be known as a ‘special request’ or a ‘war time exemption.’ This is an example of a rare snare drum that was produced during World War Two for the U.S. Government and the United States Navy. “U.S.N. 12” was engraved in the shell. This indicated a special order and possibly #1 through #11 snare drums, toms or bass drums were produced as well.

Features

Badge: Oval Ludwig & Ludwig Elkhart, Indiana, white enamel, grommet.

Only six tubular lugs were installed, probably to conserve metal because eight or ten lugs were typical for 15” snare drums before the war.

6.5” x 15” two piece brass shell, with center bead.

The bearing edges are at a forty five degree angle. Plus the extra flange that extended inward to meet the shell. This created a triangle shaped chamber that was typical of all Ludwig brass drums since the twenties. It strengthened the shell at the top and bottom.

Nickel plating.

Crimped snare beds

Single flanged hoops. The bottom hoop has a wide Slingerland style snare gate.

The Ludwig and Ludwig 2-point P-338 throw off was the original throw on this drum. However, at some point in this snare’s life, it was replaced with a Leedy 4-point “Speedway” throw which was one of the most efficient strainers of its time. The butt plate is the simple Ludwig & Ludwig.

Tension rods are 2.5” long with Gretsch factory washers. 12/24 pitch.

Snare wires were original sixteen strand, metal snare wires. For modern playing this drum is now equipped with Puresound twenty strand wires.

No factory Ludwig & Ludwig muffler was installed.