March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2022
American militia painted drum circa 1840s. Red rims with plain light color maple body with overlap secured by a line of small, unusual, white-metal tacks and stencil painted with 8-pointed reddish-brown, sage green, and red nested star with small drum tacks around the vent hole, mirrored above with red-centered nested star with medium and sage green points, the latter flanked by reddish brown lyres crossed by long trumpets in red. In between the central motif is a spread-winged eagle in sage green outlined in reddish brown, clutching red arrows in both claws. Overhead is the word "LIBERTY" in reddish brown separated from the eagle by a line of 5 stars. The eagle clutches a ribbon scroll reading "NORTH AMERICA.". The vent hole with star divides the word "RUSH" in brownish red, likely the militia company's town. Townships in Monroe County, NY, and Schuylkill County, PA, seem most likely. The nested stars suggest Pennsylvania, but the tacks and design seem too simple for those makers. The omission of the olive branch and use of "North America" suggest an early Mexican War date. CONDITION: Very good. Rims, heads, and flesh hoops in place. Snare is missing. Original rope and tighteners are in place. Rope shows 1 mend. Tighteners show wear. Simple web sling with iron snap hook is present. Paint has muted age toning. Orientation of the eagle and motto reflect the angle of the drum in period playing.
Item Dimensions: 17" X 17"