SOLD. This is truly the finest example and rarest of all Gretsch cadillac nitron green drum sets. We believe it to be unique, and to be the finest example of a set of this type in existence. There are less than 12 known examples of Gretsch cadillac nitron green sets with gold plated hardware, and, most of those sets are a) missing the snare drum, b) typically 13/16/22, c) mostly 6 ply, d) in average condition at best, many with extra holes and other modifications, and, e) most have none of the original hardware.  This set is truly an exception. It is without a doubt the finest example in the world. The set is 50 years old, but it is exceedingly clean and looks literally brand new. The 3 ply shells with caddy green lacquer are in superb shape. The gold plating is fully original and in excellent condition. The plating was very thin on all of these gold sets, and most examples have oxidized badly and exhibit peeling etc. This set has the traditional thin plating but has none of the other issues. The set is incredibly complete. Not only are the drums themselves in exquisite condition, but the original K. Zildjian cymbals are also included. The 15" high hats, 18 inch and 22 inch cymbals are superb and still have the original paper tag under the bell. The 15" crash is also superb but does not have the paper tag. The high hat stand and snare drum stand are gold plated, as is the tom holder, drum key, and original hex tool. Two period correct (but not gold plated) floor cymbal stands are also included as is a period correct BD pedal and seat. All calf heads are all period correct. There is a mailing card dated 1958 from the Gretsch company to the original owner. There is also a period correct set of Gretsch timbales included as well as period correct sticks, brushes and mallets. This is a time capsule with an incredible story. Added to the set was a 15" K "G" stamp crash cymbal for the center cymbal arm on the bass drum and another excellent condition nickel 1950's Gretsch tripod cymbal stand, two cymbal tilters and a pair of Gretsch 4D Birdland drum sticks. A correct W & A drum throne replaced the WFL throne that was provided and a better condition floating action footboard replaced the very worn footboard on the bass pedal. Surprisingly, the hi hat footboard was hardly used by comparison. Either another hi hat stand was used instead for the few years the kit might have been played or the original owner never mastered playing the hi hat and bass pedal in conjunction with each other. The gold parts were polished right down to the washers, as well as the shells. When tuned up the drums have the 1950's Gretsch and K's sound!!! This is it! The 3-ply cadillac green spray lacquer shells with silver-sealer interiors sing and the K's (15" thin hi hats, 17-3/4" medium, 15" crash and 21-1/2" medium, complete with wobble) are some of the best ever heard, especially the thin 15" hats. It does not get better than this. This is that "Great Gretsch Sound", in its best and most beautiful form. This is a rare and valuable, museum quality, historical time capsule configuration. There is no other like it we can find in the world today. Do we know of another original cadillac green 24ct gold Progressive jazz kit with 12" tom, 14” tom, 4x14 snare drum and 20" bass drum? Is there another gold plated hi hat stand, snare stand, center post cymbal arm, consolette tom holder, drum key and hex wrench? We (those knowledgeable in the collectable and vintage drum family) can account for about twelve owners of cadillac green and gold plated kits worldwide. Maybe a quarter or so are factory (with or without matching snares) and none in the Progressive jazz configuration of 4,12,20,14 (and none in such fine condition as this set). The others are primarily in the 5-1/2,13,22,16 setup. Some are put together kits with one known repaint and re-plated kit. One example is a 4,13,22,14. The current value of the set and its components is in a class unique in the vintage drum world. This drum kit and all that is with it, embodies the best possible looks and desirable sounds of a jazz and bebop instrument of the period. The progressive jazz drum set in cadillac green with 24ct gold plating was in the printed Gretsch catalog from 1954 until 1958 only. This is a factory kit from Brooklyn in 1958, with the factory hardware and the factory cymbals, to one owner until his death. This is the Holy Grail of vintage collectable drum sets today. Period. This year is the 50th year of the kit and the 125th year of Gretsch Musical Instruments.