Alexander rogers
Flushing Long Island
Alexander Rogers was born on December 25, 1830 in Pennsylvania, and died April 19, 1878 in Flushing Long Island, NewYork. On September 19, 1855, Rogers married Eleanor Maria McCready in Brooklyn, New York and together would have three children. According to census records, Rogers was a carpenter by trade which would provide him the knowledge to build drums.
During the Civil War, Rogers was given seven contracts to make drums between 1862-1863, according to quartermaster records. In January and February of 1864, he had orders for “500 infantry drums." In may, another “1,000 infantry drums,” and finally in August “1,500 infantry drums.”
16 1/2" diameter by 11 1/2" tall.
This drum represents the quintessential Rogers' contract drum. The eagle emblazonment found on many of Rogers labeled drums in unmistakable. Many hallmarks include the uniquely thick sunbursts, eagle’s beak and neck with two streaks of brown, and simple tail feathers consisting of large strokes of white.
A simple and effective brass tack design consists of two vertical rows of tacks with a circle centered around the vent, and two elongated triangles above and below.
Rogers chose one of the most basic labels. Simply utilizing a border and teh following, "MANUFACTURED/ BY/ A ROGERS,/ FLUSHING, L. I."
16 1/2" diameter by 16" tall.
At first glance, this drum looks identical to the one discussed above. However, upon closer examination, one can see the letter "U" has been changed to a "C" in the red ribbon, indicating "Reg. Confederates States Infantry."
Now, this drum has been in various collections and has been dubbed a war trophy of some rebel soldier. I do not necessarily think this is accur
Again we see the standard brass tack design as above, which is the only pattern I have seen used on Rogers contract drums.
The red painted counter hoops are drilled for ten holes and do not make use of nails to secure the overlap. Also, many show no evidence of ever having a snare tensioner.
16" diameter by 12 3/4" tall ash shell.
Red painted counter hoops are 1 5/8" tall. This drum was previously in the collection of Jim Smith.
An inside look allows us to see the circular saw marks that were left by the large blade of the saw mill. Also, the paper label is intact clearly displaying Rogers' name. Also, the narrow reinforcing hoops can be seen on the left of the image, which were glued into place.
On more than one occasion when restoring, or examining, Rogers labeled drums, sometimes "A. ROGERS." will be stamped on a counter hoop. This isn't always the case, but I have seen too many for it to be an isolated incident. I do not know of any other drum makers that did this.
16” diameter by 12 1/8” tall solid Ash drum shell.
Red painted counter hoops are 1 5/8” tall drilled for ten holes.
The counter hoops have certainly been played on as evidenced by the wear marks in between the rope holes. But, the shell remains in remarkably good condition. A brass snare gut tensioner was added at some point, but I do not think it was original to the drum.
Again, a simple Rogers label, with a tiny "1861" pencil inscription on the bottom right. I do not think this to be original to that time period.