Images(8)

Tenor drum

Date18th century

OriginAmerica

Mediumshell is oak or ash; inner hoop is an open-grained hardwood; outer hoop material unknown; decorative brass tacks

DimensionsOH: 17 1/4"; DIAM: 16 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-491

DescriptionA drum of oak or ash with ten holes at top and bottom for tensioning ropes. The shell is a wooden cylinder painted black (possibly on a blue ground) and decorated with a unicorn painted in red and yellow on one side. A vertical geometric decorative pattern of brass tacks with partial later coating of yellow paint runs next to the unicorn's head. On the side of the drum opposite the unicorn, there is a metal screw centered vertically, for a strap. The rims are painted red with a yellow scalloped line and alternating dot design.
Inscribedsee "marks"
MarkingsA paper label inside from The Rolling Drum Shop indicates repairs that were done in 1962. Inside of top hoop is marked "XV," inside of bottom hoop is marked "XVI"
ProvenancePurchased from Avis & Rockwell Gardiner, American Antiques