The One I Thought Got Away! 1950 Radio King

This is what I drove 4+ hours for today and it’s way better then I could possibly have imagined!
But I originally didn’t think it was to be.

I found this drum online very early in the morning and contacted the seller, and over the next several hours we corresponded with some very pleasant conversation. After some back-and-forth about the drum I asked about payment options and when I could pick it up, that’s when I was sadly informed that I was not the first in line! My next unsolicited thought was; it would’ve been nice to have known this in the beginning - but in the end I believe it was this conversation, or rapport building, that ultimately allowed me to acquire this drum). I simply asked at this point what could I do and got no answer. I then went about my day thinking, well, you win some you lose some, and this was not to be.

Late that same night during rehearsal with my band, Fate Up, I saw my phone light up out of the corner of my eye during one of our numbers. After the song ended I looked at my phone and saw a very pleasant message that read simply: “when can you pick up?”, my mind instantly started racing, thinking well, if they’re asking me when I can pick up it must be mine? Right? I couldn’t answer fast enough and I immediately responded “tomorrow morning first thing”, to which they responded “how about 1pm”.
“Yes! Absolutely! Thank you!...“. It was a very long drive to and fro but so worth it!

The story of the snare was vague, but from the extended family members of the original owner from whom I purchased it, it goes something like this; he bought it and never played it for whatever reason, and the later generations always respected the drum and never touched it. Not a lot of details but a very graceful unembellished straight-to-the-point explanation. They didn’t mince words or get into an epic narrative.
I am so grateful that it was left unscathed.

So now, here, is my unplayed, unused, 100% original MINT 1950 Slingerland Krupa Model Radio King No. 143 WMP 5.5” x 14” Solid One Piece Shell “Radio King” Engraved Nickel over Brass Rim 3-Point Strainer Tin Straps Snare Drum in it’s original Canvas Bag.

No screw or tension rod has ever been moved since factory, original unplayed Radio King calfskin heads, original mint wires, the WMP wrap is FLAWLESS, no cracks, no scratches, all the original nickel hardware and all screws and washers are pristine inside and out, NO RUST.
ZERO MODIFICATIONS.

Here’s another crazy fact, not only has the original strainer lever not fallen off and got lost, nor has the knurled lever knob screw, but the original lock washer for it is still present and accounted for!!! It’s been in its original bag since new. I can’t believe that I can still find drums like this. I’m in awe!!! I’m so excited.

As most of you know, this is also the size that Mr. Gene Krupa played during his career, they even state that in the catalog listing. I’m debating if I should even clean it, but I want to play it which means I will be putting modern heads on. Gonna sleep on that decision because it’s undeniably museum quality worthy, but it’s an instrument and I believe it should sing. Oh well, right now I’m just going to keep inspecting and staring at it like a little kids greatest toy.

Update: I cleaned it, and I’m glad I did, It was much dirtier then I originally thought or anticipated.
No shelf queens here at Studio 3T or under glass relics, they ALL get played, which has always been my motto so I don’t know why I was contemplating not cleaning it.
Stay tuned...🥁

Edward Tucker
Fate Up
Studio 3T