bobinwmass
Sergeant
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2019
- Location
- Western Massachusetts
Last year I bought what was called an Abner Stevens Civil War Snare drum from a dealer on the internet. I purchased it for several reasons: my research indicated that the drum was significantly older than Civil War, as Abner Stevens began making drums in 1809 in Pittsfield, MA (town indicated on label inside drum); I collect Massachusetts Militia items and being made about 25 miles from my house, it possibly went to a Massachusetts unit; and finally, the drum appears to have regimental markings. Drum is in decent condition for being about 200 years old, please see the photos below. Stevens apparently had a contract with the Federal Government to supply drums during the War of 1812, and made drums for militia use for many years. I have seen some varying examples of his drum labels dated from 1810 to about 1824 on the internet, but the label inside my drum is bit smaller than those I have seen and is not dated. My first question is: are there any Abner Stevens drum experts out there who know when the label inside my drum was used?
I suspect the drum has seen long use (potentially could have been in War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, and beyond), and was likely refinished at least once during that time. It currently has remnants of stenciled letters above and below the vent hole. They are difficult to make out because the old finish has really begun to alligator. The top line appears to say "28th REGT", and on the lower line the first 3 letters are clearly "L A N" the next character is hard to make out, also because it falls on the line of tacks that help hold the shell together. The final character appears to be a "1." Maybe this says "91"? I know not know too many states in my area that had regimental numbers that went as high as 28. In New England, I think only Massachusetts did, and they were part of the Irish Brigade. But Pittsfield is very close to New York, and I am sure they also had a 28th Regiment. And who knows how far from its original home the drum may have wandered before receiving the markings. If the final 2 characters do say "91" could it have been refinished for a reunion of some sort? I have stared and stared, and can come up with no more ideas. I was hoping there may be some wiser minds out there that could give me some suggestions. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I suspect the drum has seen long use (potentially could have been in War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, and beyond), and was likely refinished at least once during that time. It currently has remnants of stenciled letters above and below the vent hole. They are difficult to make out because the old finish has really begun to alligator. The top line appears to say "28th REGT", and on the lower line the first 3 letters are clearly "L A N" the next character is hard to make out, also because it falls on the line of tacks that help hold the shell together. The final character appears to be a "1." Maybe this says "91"? I know not know too many states in my area that had regimental numbers that went as high as 28. In New England, I think only Massachusetts did, and they were part of the Irish Brigade. But Pittsfield is very close to New York, and I am sure they also had a 28th Regiment. And who knows how far from its original home the drum may have wandered before receiving the markings. If the final 2 characters do say "91" could it have been refinished for a reunion of some sort? I have stared and stared, and can come up with no more ideas. I was hoping there may be some wiser minds out there that could give me some suggestions. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.