1928 Ludwig “Ludwigold” The “Rajah-Supreme” Trap Set

Drum finishes are an interesting part of drum history. In 1926, Ludwig introduced a textured gold sparkle painted finish called “Stipelgold.” This was quickly replaced in 1927 with the “New Ludwigold Iridescent Display Finish.” In 1927, the Ludwig drum company was busy experimenting with other new finishes for drums. Prior to 1928, the only finish choices were stained wood in mahogany, maple, walnut, and birds eye maple; and painted shells in black ebonized or white enamel. Meanwhile, in 1926 the Leedy Drum company was the first to show a pyralin wrapped drum. George Way from Leedy has been credited as the first to apply a wrap to a drum. The wonderful New Marine Pearl Finish was proudly shown on the last page of the May 1926 Leedy Topics newsletter. Leedy stated that Marine pearl is a Dupont product, harder than most woods, with a surface as smooth as glass, and that sparkles like hundreds of small mirrors! Ludwig would follow, but they did not introduce their “pearl” wrapped finishes until 1928, and their new finish was only offered on Ludwig professional grade bass and snare drums. Along with the new “Ludwigold” finish, Ludwig’s pearl colors were offered in emerald green, marble pearl, lavender, turquoise blue, peacock pearl, and avalon pearl. I find it amazing that today’s choices for wrapped finishes is less than 100 years old! The drum set has come along way in this short time. This month, we bring you a rare 1928 Ludwig Ludwigold The Rajah Supreme Trap Set. As stated earlier, the Ludwigold finish was only available from 1927-1930, that’s why I am dating this set as 1928. The set is listed and described in the catalog as follows, “The No. 1120-CL, ‘Rajah-Supreme’ outfit is a supreme combination of parts, color, and balance. The shell of both the snare and bass drum are finished with the new Glittering Ludwigold, (the) smooth surface contrasting beautifully with the DeLuxe (gold) plated drum trimmings.” The 14x28 bass drum is a separate tension “Aero-Kraft” mahogany shell with the Ludwigold badge. The bass drum has an optional factory painted head in “Mountain and Lake scene,” costing an additional $12.00, and a factory installed blinker light kit, costing $10.00. The snare drum is a 5x14 Super Ludwig Professional model, both the snare and the bass drum are finished in Ludwigold. The accessories shown with this kit are the following: Professional snare stand, Ludwig foot pedal and clanger cymbal, bass drum muffler, a set of three tuned cowbells, a double set of twotoned woodblocks, a Chinese tom with holder, double arm cymbal holder with a 13” Zenjian cymbal and a 12” Chinese cymbal, and a Perfection “sock” cymbal with Ludwig cymbals. Also shown with this set are period correct Ludwig drumsticks and brushes. This set (as shown) was listed for $179.50. Adding the cost of the painted head and light kit brings the 1928 total cost of this set to $201.50!! That is about $3500.00 in today’s money! This set is a real time capsule in wonderful original condition that has aged gracefully in its 96 years. In those years, the finish on the snare and bass drum has darkened from its once gleaming finish. I would love to have seen it brand new in its magnificent and bright glory. The deluxe gold hardware shows its age, but it’s all original and complete. Both drums have the original Ludwig calf heads, including a snare head that has a stamped logo reading “Ludwig Whitecalf.” The factory painted “Mountain and Lake Scene” is in near mint condition, and is one of the finest, brightest examples that I have ever seen. Northup Drums Museum is very fortunate and proud to own such a fine example of a Ludwigold cataloged kit. If you would like to see this in person and even play it?  Visit www.northupdrums. com or call 607-434-4769 and book your appointment today to visit the museum.