When is a brown drum a Brown drum?

Frederick A. Hesketh, Town Historian, Bloomfield, Connecticut, author of a four-page summary of "The Browns of Wintonbury, Makers of Brown Drums", and a 59 page detailed version available from The Wintonbury Historical Society writes:

Susan Cifaldi[*] has devoted [many] years to a search of authentic Brown Drums. She has uncovered many but also believes that a lot of “fakes” have been created. Cifaldi relates that a member of an old drum corps “… sought to alleviate the dismay that arose at the demise of the famous drum shop. He made several replicas so closely mimicking the originals that it is difficult to tell the impostor from the genuine article.” It is also suspected that he was aided by a fellow drummer, a printer by trade, who replicated the Brown labels.

Cifaldi’s extensive research has identified more than 90 Brown Drums still in existence, including the eight in the possession of the Museum of Fife and Drum operated by the Company. Others, in addition to those in the hands of the Mattatuck and Moodus drum corps are in the Smithsonian Institute, Nathan Hale Homestead (Coventry, CONN.), Connecticut Historical Society, West Point Museum, Alexander King House (Suffield CONN.), Buffalo/Erie County Historical Society and our own Wintonbury Historical Society. The remaining drums are in private collections.

The mystery of when the first drum was made may never be solved. Virtually all known and verified Brown Drums have a distinctive label and date inside the drum opposite the air hole. The earliest date known to the Company of Fifers and Drummers is 1810 and bears serial No. 108 and the name B. E. & M. Brown, believed to be Benjamin, Eli, and Moses.

[Note: It would be good to have a photographic inventory (on the Internet) of all of the drums identified by Cifaldi.]

First, what do Brown drums look like? Well, those I've found described on the Internet are generally big and have elaborate tack patterns. Here are some examples.

(Center Drum: NMM 10039. Side drum by Eli Brown & Son, Bloomfield, Connecticut, 1841. Printed on paper label inside drum shell, visible through vent hole: ELI BROWN & SON. / DRUM MANUFACTURERS, / HAVE CONSTANTLY FOR SALE / BASS AND SNARE DRUMS / MADE IN THE NEATEST AND BEST MANNER / Bloomfield, Conn. 1841. Maple shell, natural finish, 495mm (19-1/2") x 471mm (18-1/2"). Rope tension. Ten leather tugs. Wood rims painted red, with holes drilled for the rope to pass through. Brass snare adjuster. William F. Ludwig II Collection, 2001. Lit.: Jayson Dobney, "Museum Enhances its Percussion Collections with Rare Instruments That Document the American Percussion Industry," America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter, Vol. 29, No. 1 (February 2002), pp. 4-5. -------, Innovations in American Snare Drums 1850-1920, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2003), pp. 105-107.)

(Reported to Have Been Made by Eli Brown of Bloomfield, Ct. in 1840. 18" d x 16" h, The Civil War Fife and Drum Page)

Nominal Size: 26 x 25 maple shell drum with diamond and circle tack pattern and ivory rimmed vent hole circa 1820. Possibly made by Eli Brown, 1st Brigade Band, Wisconsin.

And this drum: It's a brown drum, but is it a Brown drum? The handwritten label (post-1911) clearly reads "F. Brown, Amsterdam, NY / 1829" but the printed label does read "BENJAMIN BROWN". Cifaldi wrote me by email that the drum is "likely to have been made by Benjamin Brown, given that the printed label appears to be a legitimate Brown label and Benjamin was making drums in 1829."

(Evert Oathout's Drum: Approx 18 ½ in diameter and 13 ½ tall including rims)
Who Were the Browns?
The Browns were a family of Connecticut Valley (Windsor area) farmers, coopers and tanners, generations of whom (possible as early as the Revolution) made drums, among other things (including many children) -- good drums, some say the Stradivarius of field drums. (Source: draft unpublished research paper by Cifaldi) (John Brown the abolistionist was a family member, Hesketh (below), p. 1.)

"Vintage Drum Time Line, Major American Drum Manufactures of the 20th Century Principals and Companies," reports that Eli Brown & Son, of Windsor, Connecticut succeeded to Porter Blanchard, Concord, N.H., the first drum maker on the American continent to make military parade drums. (Porter Blanchard drums are the subject of other articles on this blog. See "Civil War or Earlier "Porter Blanchard" of Concord, New Hampshire", "1841 Porter Blanchard Snare Drum on eBay is Talking, But What is it Saying?".) However, Hesketh suggests that Blanchard's work was preceded by the Brown family, as early as the Revolution.

Cifaldi wrote by email "re Porter Blanchard, I know of no direct (or indirect, for that matter) connection between Porter Blanchard and the Browns. From my research, it appears that the Browns succeeded no one and simply made drums because they wanted to, the two younger makers (Moses and Eli Sr.) perhaps receiving instruction from their fathers (both coopers). At least one young Brown, William, apparently devoted himself to drum-making as a calling, if his probate papers are any indication, but as for the other Brown participants it seems to have been more of an adjunct to their primary occupations of farmers and artisans (based on probate information). Also, Blanchard was not "the first" to make military field drums. See Performing Arts in Colonial American Newspapers, and there is a John Rogers making drums in Middletown, CT in 1774. Doubtless there are others if we look hard enough for them."

Also see The Company of Fifers And Drummers: Ivoryton, CT, and Moodus Drum and Fife Corps, Moodus, CT.

Many of the drums in the collection of The Mattatuck Drum Band, Waterbury, CT, are by Eli Brown family of Windsor, Connecticut made from 1820 to 1840.

And, see "Brown Drums at Yale", by Joe Gillott.

Is this a Brown Drum (or perhaps an Abner Stevens)?: I don't know. If you do, or have any thoughts on the question, please feel free to contact us.



The drum has just returned from Cooperman Drum Company where this beauty received new flesh hoops, counterhoops, tugs, snares, heads and a rope carry (the original counter hoops, now in storage, were in sad shape, partially broken). The tack pattern bears some resemblance to known Brown drums but it is not anywhere near identical. The tack crosses at the 12 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions might be a clue.

If you have any ideas, please feel free to let us know.

__________
* Susan Cifaldi*, former Music Librarian and Assistant Archivist (1987 to 2005) of The Company of Fifers and Drummers, Ivoryton, Connecticut, reputed to be an expert on the subject of Brown Drums, has published on this subject. Our treatment here is intentionally limited to pointing out some sources, assembling some photos and asking some questions. Susan was a fifer for the Nathan Hale and Westbrook Drum Corps and currently plays the fife in the North Branford Ancients. Susan has published several articles, encyclopedia entries, and other essays on the history and traditions associated with fifing and drumming and in 1989 co-authored with Bob Castillo Benjamin Clark's Drum Book, a practical edition of the original 1797 manuscript. She has also participated in several research projects, includng The Performing Arts in American Newspapers 1690 - 1783 (1997) and Early American Secular Music and Its European Sources, 1589 - 1839, An Index (2002).

1826 (?) Brown Drum #1499 Elaborately Painted Sold for $2,600

Summary: A reader selling a Brown drum wrote for information.  There followed some lively discussion on FB and correspondence with this blog's editor (below).  Ultimately, this drum was sold on eBay for $2,605.88 (after 5 bids) under the title:

RARE FIND

1826 Eli Brown Civil War Era Painted 34 Star Drum Wintonbury CT

FIRST THE HYPE:

 

Information on eBay: This is a FANTASTIC and authentic Eli Brown drum....#1499.  It's been authenticated by two different sources who are pros when it comes to Brown Drums and they found it to be genuine and made in 1826.   The paint job with 34 stars was most likely added during the Civil War (1861-1863).  I was told one of the rims is put on upside down and that's probably because when I found it someone had turned it into a side table with glass on top. 

You can read about the history of Brown drums if you Google Bloomsfield History Museum or Eli Brown Drums.

The drum measures 16" in height x 18" in diameter.   

The condition is pretty great considering its age.   The wood is in fantastic condition with no cracks, splits, chips or damage.  There is one tiny skim chip along the rim (see closeup) but that's it!   The leather slides have dried out and the reverse skin has been damaged over the years (also see closeup).  As you can see it's really in outstanding condition.

On Jul-30-20 at 10:10:52 PDT, seller added the following information:

Please note:  There are other drum enthusiasts who have messaged me that believe this drum may be a replica from the late 1800's with the Brown label added.   There are others who believe it's all original from 1826.  Some believe it may have been modified when it was painted...who knows for sure?   It appears no one can come to a concrete conclusion other than it's a fantastic drum from the 1800's and it could or could not be an authentic Eli Brown.   It's being sold "as found" and in the condition stated.

 

CORRESPONDENCE WITH BLOG EDITOR: A reader wrote with the following photos:

July 21, 2020, from Becky Elliott: I spoke with Ralph Schmoll who is a patron with the CT historical society and based on his research he believes this to be an authentic Eli Brown drum.   I was hoping perhaps you would know of someone other than the historical society or the Fife and Drum Society that would be interested in purchasing it?   I own an estate sale company in Buffalo, NY and this was found in the treasures of their collections while getting ready for a sale.   I was going to list it on eBay but decided to check with those in the know for interest before I posted it for sale [https://www.facebook.com/becky.elliott.165/posts/10157664952653022].  Thanks for any interest you may have.

Becky Elliott
Buffalo Nickel Estate Sales - Buffalo, NY

-----

 

July 22, 2020, from Ellis Mirsky: Dear Becky, The drum is quite a find. I'd like to speak with you about what I see in the photos and what your plan is with respect to the drum.  I'd like to do some of the research concerning the painted emblazonment which could lead us to learning more about the drum's history.

Whether the emblazonment was applied pre- or post assembly could help us date the emblazonment.  Close inspection of each tack at the drum shell might reveal the answer.

The tack pattern matches signature Brown tack patterns.  Note the greater number (18) of more closely spaced tacks on the leading (left) edge of the overlapping shell than on the trailing (right) portion (13).

The apparently bone grommet is consistent with Brown drums.

Ellis

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July 22, 2020, from Ellis Mirsky: Dear Becky, The 30-Star Flag 39-star

The 30-star flag became the official United States flag on July 4th, 1848.  It served during 1848-1851. The Brown drum has 30 small stars, 6 stars tucked into each valley between the points of the large star. I think that's consistent with an approximate date ca. 1850 for the emblazonment.

Ellis

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July 22, 2020, from Ellis Mirsky: But ... I see 4 more small stars, one in each corner of the emblazonment.  A 34-star flag flew from July 4, 1861 to July 3, 1863, squarely within the period of the American Civil War.  That's consistent with the drum being made in 1836 (per your description) and painted during the Civil War.

Also, see an article "When is a brown Drum a Brown Drum?," published 12 years ago in my blog FieldDrums.com at https://fielddrums.blogspot.com/2008/07/when-is-brown-drum-brown-drum.html?m=1.

(Note Google lost photos from my blog but ultimately replaced all except those in pre-2010 posts. That post was pre-2010, so no photos.)

Ellis

-----

July 22, 2020, from Ellis Mirsky: Dear Becky,

Two more observations:

1. The snare mechanism is likely "after-market," added after the drum was made.

Please send close-up photos of the snare mechanism and the other (butt) end.

2. The top counter hoop is on backwards.  The metal ring affixed to the hoop (called a military carry) should be on the other side (I.e., the hoop should be rotated 180 degrees) so that when the drum is hooked up and carried, the emblazonment shows outwardly from the front.

Ellis

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Lively discussion on Facebook about the drum in Fife and Drum Corps Friend’s Group, started by John O'Neill has drawn 57 comments:

See https://www.facebook.com/groups/131326693664150/permalink/1939011106229024.

Can we get clear closeup where indicated?
 

July 22, 2020, from Ellis Mirsky: Was this shell cut down?  Looks to be missing a tack on top and bottom.

Ellis

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July 28, 2020, from Becky Elliott: The drum is 1826 not 1836...I was able to get a better photo once it was in my hands.   It was listed on eBay this evening at the owner's request.  Thank you for helping me with identification...much appreciated!

Becky
 
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July 30, 2020, from Becky Elliott: [Re whether the drum was cut down.] I can't say as I'm not sure what it would look like originally.   I included measurements so perhaps that will tell?  

Becky

-----

 

Recently, Bob McCarty wrote: "It seems to me that the dates just don't vibe."

 

* * *

Possible Eli Brown Drum - What Do You Think?

Matt Ailing wrote:

I have a drum in my shop that is perplexing me and so I was hoping that each of you might take a look and give me your opinion. Here is what I know, the drum has an "aftermarket" label with the last date on it of 1937, 100 years after the drum is claimed to have been made by Eli Brown. The drum measures 18 11/16" in diameter and 17.5" in depth, which isn't outside the realm of possibility for a Brown drum. There is an ivory vent grommet which is very similar in style to other Brown vent grommets and the shell is made of tiger maple, which was used on many Brown drums that I have seen.

Having inspected the drum closely and having a couple of other local guys that know quite a bit about Brown drums look at, the initial reaction by everyone is that this is not number "8" a Brown drum for a number of different reasons. The bottom reinforcement ring doesn't quite meet up so there is a small wedge placed in between the two ends so that they match up. The tack design does not look like any other Brown tack design that I have seen to date, I have seen quite a few over the last few years but by no means all of them. The two rows of tacks on the outer edges of the design both have 20 tacks, this is inconsistent with Eli Brown and other Brown tack designs. On classic tack designs on drums of this size, there are between 19 and 22 tacks on the seem side and 13 to 16 on the opposing side, never the same number. The spots where the diamonds in the tacks designs would be (usually with half of the diamonds turned on a 90 degree axis to the rest) are more like ovals and all face the same direction. The tiger maple, while a wood that the Browns used, does not seem like the grain pattern is up to the quality of comparable Brown drums. The scarf seem is about 8.5" wide and comes across the back of the face but is only under about 80% of the tack work but in other drums this size the scarf comes across the back of the entire tack pattern.

This being said, the one thing that is giving me pause on all of this is the size that is hand written on the inside of the drum. The number "8" in the size is in a handwriting that is very much like the numbers written inside of several Brown drums that I have expected. I have included pictures on the numbers inside the drum as well as the numbers from inside of one of Leo Brenan's Eli Brown drums for comparison.

The drum has been refinished, which is common for this area because we have a lot of players here in CT. The back of the tacks look aged as I would expect from a drum of its claimed age and the hoops are definitely not original. Please let me know your thoughts on this when you have a moment, any insight offered would be appreciated.

Matt Alling CT Pro Percussion www.ctpropercussion.com 203-228-0488 - Phone Calfskin, it's the new plastic!!!

Notes of a Conversation with Leo Brennan, Sutler

"I've been In F&D for the last 50 years so I can’t help but knowing a bit about fifes and drums." So began Leo Brennan's story of how he came to acquire three Brown drums.

 http://bobcastillo.com/leo.htm

He told me about his first drum, vintage 1837.  It all began last February, 2009 when as a member of Mattatuck Drum Corps he was first to arrive at the corps' clubhouse.

"Some of the drums they play are Brown drums.  There was a card on the door of the loft (clubhouse) one night that said, “If interested in a Brown drum, let me know."  Leo handed it in to the president. He spoke about it at the meeting.

One of the members complained that they had done business with the person who left the card and that he wants too much money, they don’t need the drum

The drum corps passed on the opportunity. Four or five weeks later Leo expressed interest in the drum and took the card

Brennan said that Matthew (Sunny) Lyons, 80ish, is an expert and can still play very well.  He was in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII and the Korean War.  Matt and Leo looked at the drum and Matt recommended buying it.   Leo did so and got the history.  The drum had been part of the Alex Smith collection, an apple farmer from Northford, CT.  In 1897 he won the CFDA championship.  He loved Brown drums, and had at least 8 of them.   He would hand rub the drums during the winter to give them a luster (before modern distractions like television).

Leo never met Alex Smith but heard stories. He would insist that visitors who could play do so with him.

Leo made sure to say that the fourth Saturday in August, sponsored by the Westbrook Drum Corps at Exit 65 on I-95, Westbrook, CT, there is a 45 corps muster, a lot of good corps.  A jam session starts on the preceding Friday night

Leo mentioned that there are articles about him and his drums, including his bass drums.

Leo said that he does a lot of research in the library and found a photo of an Eli Brown drum at an antique shop in New Hampshire.

He phoned the auctioneer.  Leo faxed a bid but forgot to sign it

Leo won the drum (was outbid by several hundred dollars but with an unsigned bid).  The drum was owned by Griswold who sent it for repair in 1948 to Hubbard in Massachusetts.  Hubbard put new rims, rope and ears and coat of varnish, removed the snare assembly and did not replace it. That’s how he acquired his second Brown drum.

Then, talking with me, he became aware of the 1809 Brown drum (he had thought the oldest Brown was 1810 - a woman at a muster arrived with a black plastic drum).  I directed Leo to Barry Glick who had the drum for sale.

Leo spoke of Jack Haynes, an electrician, whose aunt owned the drum.  The drum had been in an attic for 40-50 years.  When she passed away, Haynes was the only heir and he acquired the drum.  That’s how Barry Glick came into the picture (a computer guy, middle man).

Leo came to an agreement with the owner. The seller asked for $3,500, Leo rejected it and the seller backed right off

Jack Haynes delivered the drum to Leo who bought it for $3,000.

Leo is now selling his 1837 Brown rum on eBay.  His son is taking care of the eBay transaction.  If it does not sell, he will pull it off eBay for 6 months.  Then he will try to sell his 1829 Brown drum.

Leo said that he has measured more than 100 Brown snare and bass drums.

He mentioned an 1823 Brown drum that he saw at a Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Muster (Homestead).

He has all the data sheets

Leo also noted that Sue Cifaldi has also done a lot of work. They plan to get together and compare notes.

Leo mentioned "American Drums of War 1607-2007", by George Carroll -- $40.0, and "The Browns of Wintonbury, Makers of Brown Drums" -- $12.5.

Leo's drums has have 16”, 17” and 18” diameters.

His 1837 drum is playable (but no snare assembly).

_____

Leo Brennan
Ye Olde Connecticut Peddler

Hi Folks,

I've been in the business of sutlering for over 20 years and have met some of the best people around who have become good friends. 


I attend over 30 events each year and you can always find a good selection of the things you need or want on display. If by chance, you do not see what you want, ask or call me at (203) 245-9543, after 2 pm, Monday through Thursday....Fridays, I'm usually on the way to a weekend event, so when you are at an event, be sure to look for Ye Colonial Sutler's Shop on Sutler's Row.


If you would like, I will gladly send you a list of events I will be attending this season. If you have an event you would like me to attend, send me an invite and/ or call me. If possible, I will include it in my schedule.


Unfortunately, with prices as they are today, it is necessary for me to charge the sum of $3.00 per catalog.

VERY Partial List of Items available:

• Audio Tapes & CD's
• Books
• Clay Pipes
• Garters
• Instruments
• Leather Goods
• Mugs
• Rifle and Musket Accessories
• Stockings
• Slings, cases, etc... 

Ye Colonial Sutler's Shop
 Leo Brennan, Sutler
c/o 49 Nortontown Rd.
Madison, CT 06443

Leo J. Brennan's Eli Brown Drum (1829) Redux

Leo Brennan's 1829 Brown drum has resurfaced (with new and better photos above) and Leo is now comfortable parting with this beauty, one reason possibly being that he recently became the owner of the world's oldest known Brown drum (1809), acquired with the assistance of the Blogmaster (see story at "History in a Drum (an 1809 Brown Drum) -- The Oldest Known Brown Drum in Existence", this blog, Aug. 5, 2009.

This 1829 Eli Brown masterpiece, a fine addition for any serious collection, was previously chronicled at "Leo J. Brennan's Eli Brown Drum (1829)", this blog, March 7, 2009. The drum is currently described on eBay as item no. 280401024302:

Up for auction is an original 1829 vintage and nearly pristine Eli Brown tacked field drum, dated by the interior label as drum number 1602. The overlapped maple shell is 54 and a half inches in circumference and bears the distinctive Eli Brown tack pattern around the ivory vent hold in a single circle. The drum stands 17 and a quarter inches high. All ropes, including the drag rope, are intact and made of hemp. There are 10 iron hooks attached to the maple rims top and bottom. The snares are catgut and the original heads are of calfskin, the bottom one is torn. The top head has a minor split. There is a single original leather adjustment ear, the rest are missing. The strainer assembly is of the Civil War style. This museum quality drum is formerly of the Alex Smith Collection (Northford, CT) and is one of the finest made by Eli Brown himself, at the height of his skills as the premier drum maker in America.

1809 Brown Drum Hits the Market

eBay Seller barryglick( 2 ) has opened bidding on this beauty at $3,000. (See eBay item no. 120436923419.) If you've ever wanted a genuine Brown drum in your collection, you know that these babies don't come along every day. Glick's starting price is not unreasonable. (Note: The above photos are exclusive to FieldDrums.com. They are not, as of the time of this posting, posted on eBay.)

Glick described the drum as follows:

"The drum is manufactured by B. E. and M. of Windsor Conn. It was made in 1809 and numbered 26 on the label. As you can see from the notes inside it was used by a soldier from 1861 to 1864 which of course is the period of the Civil War. The Drum is in execlent condition. It is 16 inches in diameter and 16 inches high."

Glick reports (see photos) that there are notes inside attributed to a Civil War soldier. That's a major plus in valuing this drum which Glock reports dates from 1809 (that's only 30 something years after the Revolution and 50 something years before the Civil War).

So, my thinking on this one is to break out the piggy bank, mortgage the house, and borrow from your friends if you have to, but get this drum.


Here's the real deal folks.

The printed and partially handwritten label reads:

DRUMS,

Manufactured and Sold

BY

B.E. and M. BROWN,

Windsor, Conn.

[then in handwriting] No. 26 ~ 1809

Also in handwriting is:

DRUMER POSNET

CO. N ["N" somewhat illegible]

1861 1st VT. VOL 1864

And, attesting to the drum's continued use:

[illegible] Goodspeed

[illegible], Vermont

1924
Note: no record could be found of a Vermont Civil War soldier named Posnet, Posner, Pusnet, Pusner, Osnet or Osner. Also, The First Regiment Vermont volunteer Infantry comprised militia companies from Bradford, Brandon, Burlington, Cavendish, Middlebury, Northfield, Rutland, St. Albans, Swanton and Woodstock. They were selected from the uniformed militia of the State at Burlington, April 19, 1861. Vermont in the Civil War. The 1st Regiment Vt. Volunteers was mustered into the service of the United States May 2d, 1861. Vermont in the Civil War.

It appears, however, that the 1st Vermont served three months and almost a full fourth month (less four days) until approximately August 15, 1861. Vermont in the Civil War. Some soldiers who served with that unit later re-enlisted with other Vermont units. Thus the second date on the drum, 1864, could be the date that the drummer who inscribed his name and service record, was mustered out, but not from the same Vermont unit.

Susan Cifaldi, who has studied and written about Brown drums, emailed this afternoon with the following comment:

For what it's worth, I think it says "Wallace B. Goodspeed / Wells [Rutland Co] Vermont. The "drumer Posnet" could be a corruption of Pownal, which is also in Rutland County but about 60 miles south of Wells. As you note, there is no "Posnet" in Vermont.

The 1st VT Regiment was a 3-months regiment raised in April 1861 (CoK came from Rutland County). I could not find a regimental roster for the 1st VT, but I did find Wallace Goodspeed listed in the 17th, but it, too, saw only short service, from March 1864 until July 1865. If he served in 1862 and 1863, it escaped my notice.

Hope this helps.

Sue

The tack pattern is classic Brown. See, e.g., 1837 Eli Brown and Son Field Drum with Label for something comparable:


Also see "Leo J. Brennan's Eli Brown Drum (1829)".

And, finally, see "When is a brown drum a Brown drum?".