This 6.5x14 Gretsch Gladstone 2-way tuning snare drum comes to us from the collection of Chet Falzerano, the world's most noted Gladstone expert. A beautiful example that was restored superbly. This drum will be here in my IL store by Mid May 2023 and we will have detailed pics and video. $3200. Contact Steve at vintagedrums@aol.com if interested. Below is an excerpt of the back story from Chet.
I found this Gretsch Gladstone two way drum on eBay. Taken by its beauty, I placed it on my “watch” list and patiently waited for the auction to run its course. There were a lot of inconsistencies with this drum. Enough that raise a red flag for a person in the know to perhaps "steer clear". Badge…suspect Gold plating…suspect Shell composition…suspect Shell finish…suspect Throw off…suspect. All the GGs I've ever witnessed were wrapped drums. Could this be a one-off? Maybe. Too much money and too far away (EU) for me to risk its authenticity. The auction ended without any bids. The good thing is that the lugs and T-rods are the real deal, so there's a start!” I then recognized that this was a post war Gretsch Gladstone originally offered in the 1948 Gretsch catalogue with 4 ply shells, ”Chrome" plating (gold plating was offered as an option as far back as the 1939 catalogue) and sporting a Gretsch round badge (pre war drums had Gretsch Gladstone stamped in the shell). By 1951, Gretsch was making 3 ply shells like this drum. Finishes offered were Duco lacquer (including “Polished Mahogany”) and pearl wraps.When I messaged the seller he told me he had the drum refinished (plating and shell veneer) and added the Duplex strainer commenting, “The drum was missing the original throw off and I found a Duplex throw has the same hole pattern and therefore didn't have to drill the shell” (bravo!). I made an offer and purchased the drum. I just happened to have a two way Gretsch Gladstone throw off that I had gold plated to match.
