Eagle Bass Drum Incredible Example!

Eagle Bass Drum Incredible Example! - Inventory Number: MUS 175

Painted eagle bass drum likely used by a militia regiment during the Mexican War era. The eagle perches on a Union shield (with Liberty in the ribbon) and has a wingspan of 19" across; the oval sky-blue background measuring 15" wide. Twenty-nine stars surround the scene, likely representing Iowa's admission as the 29th state in 1846 (Wisconsin was admitted two years later.) There is some minor paint loss in the light-blue field, but fortunately the eagle and shield are largely unaffected. The drum measures 25.5" from rim to rim, which are painted red with evenly spaced gilt stars; rim diameter is 23". Looking through the concussion vent, which is highlighted by a 5" x 6" gilt oval, bordered by gilt-painted tacks, the maker's label is present and is of the firm of M. Corcoran of Philadelphia, PA, Lombard St. The maple body is held together by 3/8" tacks painted gilt and presents an appealing decorative pattern. White buff leather rope tensioners are old and could be original to the drum; the rope is mid-20th Century aged clothesline, which could be replaced with more appropriate examples. A mismatched pair of wooden hickory drum beaters accompanies; each are about 13.5" long. From an artistic perspective, this scene would be hard to surpass, rendered during an era of national expansion of our southwest borders. Condition is overall fine.

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Inventory Number: MUS 175