Klemm and brothers
Manufacturers and Importers
The firm of Klemm and Brothers had a long-standing history as a music store and dealer in musical instruments in Philadelphia. The Klemm family were German Moravians and had been long established in East Prussia as musical instrument makers prior to their arrival in the United States sometime before 1816. In 1819, Frederick A. and Johann G. Klemm opened up a music store at 1 North 4th Street in Philadelphia. The firm continued in business at various address’s for almost 80 years.
Frederick A. Klemm came to Philadelphia in 1811 and filed immigration papers on 24 September 1816. John G. Klemm came over in 1819 and filed immigration papers on 7 June 1824. An advertisement placed in the Philadelphia Gazette 14 May 1823 stated: J.G. Klemm of the late firm of Klemm & Bros. reopened a store…musical instruments, etc. from the manufactory of G. and A. Klemm in Germany…having purchased from Messrs, Bacon, and Hart their entire stock of music plates, he intends carrying on…printing and publishing music. In 1837, F. A. Klemm is listed in the directories at 3 City Row, separate from Klemm & Bros. Also, in 1864, a George M. Klemm is listed at 124 N. 13. This name does not appear in the directories again.
http://www.otbrass.com/Horn_Pics/HornMakers/Klemm.htm
From the perspective of drum manufacturing, it is difficult to say whether the Klemm firm actually made the drums sold in their stores, or merely purchase them from local makers to sell. It is my belief, that they did not make drums. Many of the drums below have the characteristics of being made by others in Philadelphia.
16 3/5" diameter by 16 1/2" tall. This Klemm manufactured drum was owned by famed War of 1812 musician Jordan Noble. Noble was an African-American who served as a drummer in the 7th Regiment in 1814, and took part in the famed Battle of New Orleans.
This drum displays all of the characteristics of being made in the Philadelphia area in the early 1800s. An interesting addition is the brass and iron strainer attached to the shell.
This label indicates an address of "287 Market St." Klemm and Brothers used that address in 1838. Klemm did have a store in New Orleans at 45 Canal St. from as early as 1832, which would be the most likely location Noble purchased the instrument.
23 ½” diameter by 19 ½” tall. The red painted counter hoops are 1 7/8” tall drilled for twelve holes and secured with iron nails. Three vent holes have been drilled into the shell, however, only one has a bone insert.
The Klemm and Brother label indicates an address of 275 Market St. which correlates to a manufacture date of 1854-1857.
The brass carry attachment is missing the loop which would have been used to secure the sling to the drum. I have seen various styles of bass drum attachments such as this, and many other bass drums without evidence of attachments.
16 1/2" diameter by 16 1/2" tall. The label reads, "Klemm & Brothers/ Piano Forte and Music Warehouse/ no. 287 Market Street Importers of Musical Instruments and Music Publishers/ Philadelphia."
According to the American Civil War Museum, "This drum was bought twenty years before the American Civil War by a member of the Tinley family, Richmond County, Georgia. The drum was owned during the war by William W. Tinley (born 1845), Co. I, 48th Georgia Infantry. He was wounded in action during Pickett’s retreat at Gettysburg."
Manufacture date would be 1838 based on the address on the label, as well as the information provided by the drum's provenance.
16 1/4" diameter by 13 3/4" tall. This drum shell is made of plied wood, as opposed to the solid steam bent variety. The technology was available to construct ply shells utilizing veneers, however, many that I have studied are prone to cracks and failure of the glue that held the plies together. This particular example also has a wooden star inlay and bone vent insert.
The snare strainer is simple in design and seen in period Civil War photographs. The label indicates a manufacture date of 1858-1879. A close look at the outer veneer reveals that it is mahogany.
The leather braces have pinked edges which is created by using a pinking iron, common among leather workers during the 19th century. Also, the iron hooks contain a raised ridge which is correct among drums made during the 1850s and 60s.
16 1/2" diameter by 13 3/4" tall. Another example of a ply drum shell, this one consisting of a birds-eye maple outer veneer and decorated with a bone insert.
The counter hoops are interesting as a faux woodgrain has been applied to give the plain maple an exotic look. The strainer style is commonly seen among drums made in the 19th century.
The label reads, "FROM/ KLEMM & BROTHER,/ Importer, Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in/ Musical Instruments,/ STRINGS, &c./ No. 705 Market Street,' PHILADELPHIA." Therefore, manufactured from 1858-1879.
17 1/4" diameter by 15" tall. Another "705 Market St." labeled Klemm and Brother drum made of steambent ash and secured with brass tacks. The pattern being a common and simple style consisting of two vertical rows, a circle, and two arrows facing up and down.
The rope appears to be a replacement, but most of the other components look to be old, if not original. The shell may have been cleaned, or stripped, of its original varnish at some point, but I am not 100% sure.
This bass drum has been cut down from one side, leaving most of the tack design and eagle emblazonment intact. As seen, a tremendous amount of cleaning was needed to allow the original paint to be seen. This drum resides as part of the American Drum Company's collection.
A close-up of the motif shows the beautifully painted eagle with four-pointed stars and square sunbursts. All being very indicative of its early manufacture.
The label lists Klemm and Brother's at "No. 287 Market St." which coincides with a manufacture date of 1838.
Not a drum, but an interesting letter from John George Klemm to "Messrs C.L. Heizmann and Son." The letter does not mention any drums, but describes some of the other items the Klemm firm sold. An excerpt is below:
"We have sent you the Rosin (and) Double Bass Strings, enclosed please find bill $2.63. The accordeon reeds, Nos. 5_ 6_ (and) 7_ we are out of at present, but expect a fresh supply be