William Boucher
Maker of Banjos and Drums
Gabriel Heinrich Fredrich Wilhelm Boucher was born on September 12, 1822 in Germany and died on March 8, 1899. He is buried at the New Cathedral Cemetery in Baltimore. Today, he is most well-known for his innovative banjos which bare his “American” name William. Some of which now reside at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and National American History Museum. Along with banjos, he also produced and supplied other instruments at his store in Baltimore. He is first listed in the Baltimore directories in 1849 at 32 E. Baltimore St. This listing describes him as a music dealer, while his father, E.W. Boucher, is described as a musical instrument maker at 7 Holliday St.
In 1851, William moves to the corner of Front and Baltimore, while his father is now listed at West Pratt. The Baltimore Wholesale Business Directory and Business Circular for the year 1852 show another move for Boucher senior to 97 ½ East Baltimore St. Likewise, Boucher Jr. is listed at 32 East Baltimore St.
15" diameter by 15" tall.
This simplistic, yet elegant, looking drum has a lot of character. The ash drum shell exhibits a wonderful patina. The tck design consists of two vertical rows of tacks, a circle centered around the vent, two ovals above and below the bone vent insert.
The red painted counter hoops are drilled for nine holes. There is no evidence of a strainer on this example, and we can see the leather butt piece holding the strands of gut. A few of the leather braces appear to be very old.
The dark section shows wear marks from the playing beating on the skin head, and the top of the counter hoops look to be in extremely good condition.
16" diameter by 14 1/2" tall.
Formerly part of Jim Smith's collection, this drum has all the bells and whistles available to put on a drum during the mid 19th century.
The eagle design is unique to the Baltimore area. It consists of a golden eagle clutching a bundle of arrows, American shield, and olive branches. The red ribbon contains the phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM." Rays of sun are bursting out f
Iron rope hooks, a bone vent insert, and brass thumb screw gut tensioner add to drums overall appearance. Painted scroll work has also been added around the vent.
A look inside the vent presents a view of the large label listing various awards Boucher has received for his instruments.
16 1/2" diameter by 13 3/4" tall.
Overall look is almost identical to the drum listed above. The most notable difference are the blue counter hoops, as opposed to red. The emblazonment is the same, although this example has lost some due to the paint flaking. Sauer and Boucher must have employed the same artist in Baltimore because both makers' drums carry identical emblazonments.
A unique characteristic I have not seen on any other makers' drums, is the addition of bone eyelets around the head of the iron nails that secure the seam.
In a somewhat comical fashion, C&F Soistmann either made a repair to this drum, or sold it, but applied their label over Boucher's. This image displays the variety of label sizes used by various makers.
16.5” diameter by 15.5” tall.
Here we see another eagle motif that can be tied to the Baltimore area. This one being less "flashy." consisting of an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. Above are clouds and five white five pointed stars. A simple row of brass tacks secure the seam with a bone vent insert.
Paper label inside reads “Manufactured by Wm. Bou
16 ¾” diameter by 15 ¾” tall.
Coming from the American Civil War Museum is Boucher labeled drum with a painted motif similar to that of above. Added, however is the following, "Blue Ridge Rifles, Presented by John F. Hickok, Feb. 15, 1860”, in black letters on a gold panel trimmed in red."
A side view shows the same method of securing the seam as the previous example. Unfortunately, the leather braces have been put on upside down. A common occurrence when museum staff is not familiar with historic drums. Non- the-less, a very nice piece.