John Church Jr.
Piano Fortes, Sheet Music, and Musical Instruments
John Church was born in Massachusetts around 1845. Although mainly a piano forte and sheet music dealer, Church did have a few contracts for instruments for the Army. According to the "Directory of Military Goods, Dealers, & Makers," Church had a contract on September 1, 1862 for 700 drums, 850 fifes, and 500 bugles. On January 5, 1863 the Army requested 300 bugles and 450 drum heads. Also, on April 6, 1863, an order was placed for 100 each drums, drum heads, bugles, and fifes. Finally, on October 10, 1864 1,000 trumpets.
To the right is an image of John Church Jr. compliments of the Antique Piano Shop. (https://antiquepianoshop.com/online-museum/church-john-company/)
16” Diameter by 13 ½” Tall
This drum comes from the Company of Fifers and Drummers. The motif is unique with wings outstretched reaching above the eagle's head. A red ribbon is held in the beak and swirls above the whole body and is lacking any inscription.
New rope appears to have been added along with guts and a leather butt piece. Most likely the leather braces were added at a later date as w
The tack design is pretty much identical to the John F. Gleich drum with a simple configuration of two vertical rows of tacks and a single circle surrounding the vent, which is also adorned with a bone insert.
Even though the label is not fully intact, a very clear indication of the maker can be seen.