Ernest Vogt
Piano, Violin, Guitar, Banjo, Tambourine and Drum Maker
Ernest Vogt was born in 1825 in Sachsen, Germany. He married Sara Ann Schweppenheiser and they had two children. Philadelphia Tax Lists indicate he had a home on 5th and Beaver St. and also on Marshall. The products he was taxed for were the manufacture of drums, violins, and guitars. Throughout the Philadelphia City Directories beginning in 1855, he is listed as a piano maker.
Vogt worked predominately out of the addresses 1006 and 1004 St. John. Finally arriving at the 225 Beaver St. address in 1864-65. In the 1880 census, he is listed as a cabinet maker. He died on February 19, 1898.
16 7/8" diameter by 15 3/8" tall.
This drum is part of the Metropolitan Museum's collection in New York. The eagle motif is unique in many ways. The large, cartoonish, eagle's head, long claws, and short rounded sunbursts set it apart from other motifs in the Philadelphia area.
The tack design commonly seen on Vogt's drums contain two vertical rows of tacks, a circle around the vent, and arrows pointing up and down. Again, this is a fairly common tack pattern used widely by many makers.
Unique to Vogt is the label, which not only lists the usual information such as name and street address, but also the contract date of "December 29, 1864." This particular contract was for 2,000 infantry drums at a cost of $7.15 each.
17 1/2" diameter by 15" tall. Most likely the diameter was measured from hoop to hoop, so the real shell diameter is probably in the 16" range.
This Ernest Vogt labeled drum is part of the National Museum of American History's collection. The red painted hoops have faded and the wood grain is clearly visible, which helps determine that the hoops are ash.
This close-up allows for a clear view of the rays of sun breaking through clouds, the ribbon and font of the writing, detail of the eagle's head, the upper wing feathers, and the application and arrangement of the stars.
This portion allows us to see the lower wing feathers, tail, American shield, talons, arrows, and olive branch. All of these features help us determine, even if a label was not present, that this drum was painted in Philadelphia.
16 1/2" diameter by 15 1/2" tall including hoops.
The example on the right has undergone slight restoration with the addition of new rope, skins, gut, and leather braces. The eagle emblazonment matches the others shown above.
The bottom hoop may have originally been on the top. The wear marks seen in between the rope holes is due to the player beating on the rim with sticks. After the hoop would deteriorate, the musician would swap the top hoop for the bottom.
The label matches other Vogt labels which include a double-lined border and contract date.
16 3/4" diameter by 14 3/8" tall.
The eagle emblazonment on this drum is clearly different than what is seen on the majority of Vogt drums. New leather braces had been added to the ropes at some point.
This instrument has been cut-down from the top, as evidenced by the missing tack that would complete the upper arrow. Also, rather unusual for a Vogt drum, the addition of a wooden vent insert. These "extras" are not usually seen on contract drums as the maker was usually attempting to complete many, and make as much money as possible.
A wonderful label that reads, "ERNEST VOGT,/ MANUFACTURER OF/ DRUMS, BANJOS, TAMBORINES, &C.,/ No. 225 BEAVER STREET/ PHILADELPHIA./ Contract, December 29th, 1864."
16 1/2" diameter by 16" tall.
This drum carries a different motif than most other Vogt labeled drums. The eagle being smaller and lines sharper. One common characteristic among Vogt drums is the row of small round-headed iron nails that secure the overlap of the counter hoops. No matter which emblazonment is used, this detail remains constant.
Below the tack design, the guts exit from between the counter hoop and flesh hoop. Stainers do not seem to be part of Vogt's original construction. This conclusion is drawn from period photographs and surviving examples such as this.
The ash drum shell is in fantastic condition, and the leather braces appear to be very old, if not original. The rope is most likely a replacement. And if you look closely at the bottom counter hoop, you will notice the row of iron nails along the scarf joint.
This drum comes from the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
Penciled on original drumhead: "This drum / was issued to Frank G. / Campbell at Detroit Mich / June 1st 1862. / A Drummer in Co. G. 17th Regiment / Mich. Vol Inft. Who carried it / Until mustered out of service / June 3d 1865. /No changes has ever been made since issued. 17th / Mich./ F.G. Campbell / Co.G 17th. / Mich."
Label reads, "Ernest Vogt / Manufacturer/ Drums, Banjos, Tamborines & c. / Philadelphia / Contract December 29th 1864."
Some restoration has been performed with the addition of new leather braces, rope, and possibly a new skin.
Another example of competing artists being used by drum manufacturers. This eagle motif is most usually associated with Soistmann, but is seen here on a Vogt labeled drum.