1920’s Walberg and Auge Tom-Tom Drum

In the early 1920’s Walberg & Auge developed and sold an improved version of the Tom-Tom drum.
The W&A tom-tom consisted of the following components:
- Two steel hoops, each having a thick skin/membrane applied/glued over then under the hoop. (Reverse-tucked head)
- 4 small L-Brackets mounted on the outer side of each hoops. The brackets are used to hold/support the thumb-screw tension rods
- 9 inch stave construction shell
- Two Hoop Tom-tom mounts (on opposing sides) used for the ‘hook-and-rest’ tom-tom bass drum mount (made by Walberg and Auge)

Walberg & Auge Tom-Tom Advent Claims

- First American Made Tunable Tom-Tom Drum
- First American-Made 'Stave Shell Construction' Drum

 

 

 

1919 Walberg and Auge Bass Drum

Specs: Solid Maple Single Ply 14" x 24.5", Shell and hardware made by W&A, 12 tension rods, Original factory label. Possibly built to 'Perfection' by George Bernard (painted black on the inside).

Back  Hoop (Picture #5):  XX (engraved into the wood)    20 (engraved into the wood) followed by the number 20 (written in pencil) (possibly manufactured towards the end of the 1919 and into the new year of 1920...)

Front Hoop (Picture #6):  IIIVX (engraved into the wood)   19 (engraved into the wood) followed by the number 19 (written in pencil)

There is also a small, hand written date (in pencil) on the top, outer edge of the front head (not pictured).  The date reads:  FEB 14, 1925 (I believe this to be written by the original owner).

The drum came with an original gelatin silver picture which has eight well dressed younger men (possibly a fraternity) posing with their instruments. (note the antique ball and claw piano stool, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the painted banjo head).

 

 

 

 

1909-1920's Walberg and Auge CarryAll Bass Drum with Snare (Drum Kit)

Specs: Bass drum: Solid Maple Single Ply 14" x 24", shell and hardware made by W&A, 12 tension rods, Original factory label badge stating PAT. July 9 1909.

Snare Drum: 5"x14" Perforated Snare ($3 option from W&A) with original black and brass badge, shell and hardware made by W&A16 lugs.

Tom: 8x12 tom, single tension rods, maple hoops, 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell, Made by Robert George Bernard in 1965.

Floor Tom: 12x14 tom, originally a marching snare drum, 3 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell, Made by Robert George Bernard in 1957.

 

 

 

1930's Walberg and Auge Drum Set "Big Blue"

Specs: Single Ply Maple Shells with rerings, 14x28 Bass Drum, 7x11, 9x13, 12x14 and 16x16 toms, 5x14 snare. Shells possibly made by Jasper. Rerings and bearing edges fashioned by W&A. Possibly built to 'Perfection' by George Bernard (painted black on the inside).  All hardware made by W&A. Very majestic! This IS one of the most RARE drum sets in American drum history. Thank you Vintage Drum Forum member John Velez (ID: Purdie Shuffle) from Reading PA for restoring this great monument of American drum innovation and 'Perfection' level craftsmanship!
John documented the entire restoration process. Click here to HERE to read/see more info. It's an amazing process and story!
John has been playing drums for 50+ years and restoring vintage drums for 25 years. Great work John!

 

 

 

1930's Walberg and Auge Drum Set

Specs: Multi Ply Shells, 14"x27.5" Bass Drum, 9x13 and 10x14 toms. Shells possible made by W&A. Gretsch Rocket Lugs, the rest of the hardware made by W&A. Restored in 2011 by Jeremy Esposito.

 

 

 

 

1940's Walberg and Auge Drum Set (Gold Glass Glitter)

Specs: Single Ply Shells, 14x22" Bass Drum, 9x13 and 16x14 toms, 5x14 snare. Shells possible made by W&A or Keller. Gretsch Rocket Lugs and hoops, the rest of the hardware made by W&A. Possibly built to 'Perfection' by George Bernard (painted black on the inside).

 

 

 

1940's Walberg and Auge Drum Set (Vintage White Pearl)

Specs: Single Ply Shells, 14x26" Bass Drum, 8x12 and 12x14 toms, 5x14 snare (new). Shells possible made by W&A or Keller. Gretsch Rocket Lugs and hoops, the rest of the hardware made by W&A. Possibly built to 'Perfection' by George Bernard (painted black on the inside).  Restored by Jeremy Esposito and Anthony Defusco from Village Drum and Music Scituate RI.

 

 

 

 

 

1940's Walberg and Auge Snare Drum

Specs: 6 Ply Shell, 6.5x14. Shells possible made by W&A or Keller. Gretsch Rocket Lugs and hoops, the rest of the hardware made by W&A. Possibly built to 'Perfection' by George Bernard (painted black on the inside).

 

 

 

1958 Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Anniversary Sparkle' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x20" - 3 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 9"x13" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell with Dual Inlay Hoops.  Floor Tom 16"x16" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Snare: 5"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Gretsch Streamline Lugs and hoops. Tom hoops are prototype diacast stick-chopper hoops. Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in December 1958. This is possible one of the first kits built by RGB. The 'Anniverary Sparkle' finish, only offered 1958-59, was initially designed and used by Gretsch to celebrate their 75th anniversary. (This would have been W&A's 55th anniversary.)

 

 

 

1962 Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Turquoise Sparkle' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x22" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 9"x13" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Floor Tom 16"x16" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Snare: 6.5"x14" - 3 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Gretsch Streamline Lugs. Single Flanged hoops on toms, Diacast on snare.  Ludwig Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in June 1962.  Restored by Jeremy Esposito and Anthony Defusco from Village Drum and Music Scituate RI.

 

 

 

 

1940's Walberg and Auge Mahogany Snare Drum

Specs: 6 Ply shell possibly made by Walberg & Auge. Gretsch Diacast Hoops.  The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Restored by Jeremy Esposito and Anthony Defusco from Village Drum and Music Scituate RI.

 

 

 

1950's Walberg and Auge Snare Drum

Specs: 2 Ply shell possibly made by Walberg & Auge. Rogers triple flange Hoops.  The rest of the hardware made by W&A. 2 ply shell. Painted black inside. Possibly made by George Bernard.  Restored by Jeremy Esposito.

 

 

1964 Walberg and Auge Concert Tom Drum Set in 'Turquoise Sparkle' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x22" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Toms: 8"x12" and 9"x13" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Floor Tom 16"x16" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Snare: 6.5"x14" - 3 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Gretsch Streamline Lugs. DiaCast hoops on toms.  Ludwig Floor Tom Leg Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in 1964.  Restored by Jeremy Esposito and Anthony Defusco from Village Drum and Music Scituate RI.

 

 

 

 

1967 Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Ginger Ale Sparkle' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x20" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 8"x12" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Floor Tom 16"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Snare: 5"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Gretsch Lugs, Ludwig hoops.  Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in 1967.

 

 

 

 

1968 Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Natural' Finish (Owned by Eddie Jenkins)

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x20" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 8"x12"  - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Snare: 5"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Gretsch Lugs, Ludwig hoops.  Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in 1968. Drum set owned by Eddie Jenkins.

 

 

 

1969 Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Blue Oyster Pearl' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x20" - 3 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 9"x13" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Floor Tom 16"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Snare: 5"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Rogers Lugs, Ludwig hoops.  Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in December 1969. (Thank you Cherie Willoughby from Prepercussions)

 

 

 

Late 1970's Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Blue Oyster Pearl / Bowling Ball' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x22" - Rogers/Keller Shell. Toms: 9"x13", 10"x14" - Rogers/Keller Shell.  Floor Tom 16"x16" - 6 Ply Keller Shell. Snare: 5"x14" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Gretsch Lugs, Ludwig hoops.  Ludwig Floor Tom and Bass Drum Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. This drum set was most likely built by Jacob Tharpe, the last W&A drum builder. Restored by Byron Dargus.

 

 

 

1965 Walberg and Auge Drum Set in 'Black Oyster Pearl' Finish

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x20" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 8"x12" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell.  Floor Tom 16"x14".  Gretsch hoops.  Rogers Lugs. Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in 1965. Owner: Andrew Klein

 

 

1961 Walberg and Auge / WFL Hybrid Drum Set in 'Black Diamond Pearl' Finish

This drum set is an example of how W&A provided custom services for their customers.
In 1961, someone had brought their WFL (Ludwig) 20" bass drum and 14" snare to Walberg & Auge to have them make a matching 8x12" and 14x14 floor tom.
We originally bought this set for the W&A toms... but after a thorough inspection, this kit was put together in 1961. The wrap has the same consistent fade/yellowing on all the drums. The kit is a marriage of two historical American drum companies.

 

Specs: - 14x20 WFL Bass Drum, New Remo Coated Ambassador Batter Head, Resonance Head is a Calfskin Amerawco Walberg and Auge Drum Head. Possibly added in the 1950's.

- 5x14 WFL Snare Drum, Original Snare Strainer works perfectly, Snare Side head is a 1960's Remo clear, Batter Head is Aquarian Coated.
- 8x12 W&A Tom (6 ply Gretsch / Jasper Shell, Gretsch Lugs, Diecast Hoops. New Ludwig Med Resonance Head, Aquarian Modern Vintage Batter Head)
- 14x14 W&A Floor Tom (Slingerland Push Button Floor Tom Leg Mounts (Work Perfectly) 6 ply Gretsch / Jasper Shell, Gretsch Lugs, Diecast Hoops. New Ludwig Med Resonance Head, Aquarian Modern Vintage Batter Head.)

 

1930s - 40s Walberg and Auge Concert Bell Set

Specs: 2.5 Octave Concert Bell Set with case. Considered to be the best made. Owner: Walberg & Auge Inc,

 

 

 

 

1960s - 1970 W&A Drum Set (Built by Robert George Bernard, Restored by Jacob Tharpe)

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x22" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Tom: 8"x12" - 6 Ply Gretsch/Jasper Shell. Floor Tom 16"x16". Snare: 5"x14" Ludwig hoops. Rogers and Gretsch Lugs. Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by Robert George Bernard (RGB) in 1966. The drum set was brought back to W&A in 1977 and was restored by Jacob Tharpe. (W&A's very last drum builder) In 2015, this drum set was restored again by Jeremy Esposito. Owner: Walberg & Auge Inc,

1940s W&A Drum Set (Built by George Bernard, Restored by W&A)

Specs: Bass Drum: 14"x22". Tom: 9"x13". Floor Tom 14"x16". Snare: 5"x14" Ludwig hoops. All shells are 1 ply maple with rereings. Gretsch Rocket Lugs. Ludwig Clipper-Style Floor Tom Mounts. The rest of the hardware made by W&A. Built to 'Perfection' by George Bernard (RGB) In 2015, this drum set was restored W&A. Owner: Walberg & Auge Inc,

Stay tuned for more vintage W&A drums!