Francis sauer
Union Drum Manufacturing Co.
The beginnings of Frances Sauer's life are somewhat difficult to nail down. He was certainly born in Germany around 1818, but census records provide different locations for different years. Also, I have found immigration records for a "Franz D. Sawer" aged 15 years arriving in Baltimore with his father and siblings in 1834, which would put his birth year around 1818/1819. But I am not certain this is the drum maker.
In any case, Frances Sauer does appear in the Baltimore City Directory in 1860 as a cabinet maker. Clearly his ability in cabinetry provided the skill set for drum making. To the right you will see the list of items offered by Sauer including not only military and band drums, but show cases and wooden frames.
14 1/4" diameter by 10 1/4" tall.
This drum was carried by Mathias Lowman of the 5th Maryland Infantry. Lowman enlisted as a musician in Company I, Maryland 5th Infantry on October 5, 1861 and was mustered out on October 5, 1864.
An unusual painting which consists of a blue background with a shield, flanked by flags, and a riband above with "E Pluribus Unum". Below is "No. 18 PG."
The brass tack design features two vertical rows of tacks, with an oval shape centered around the vent, and two circles, one above and below, with a tack in the center of each. A bone vent insert adorns the shell as well.
A partial label exists giving us enough information to deduce the company name, place, and owner. The later being located on the bottom right-hand corner, "FRANCES SAUER & CO."
This drum bears a silver plaque that reads: “Presented to James W. Sank, by the officers and men of Camp A Purnell Legion Md. Vols. May 1863.”
On the interior of the drum, a label reads, “From the Union Manufacturing Co. 98 W. Baltimore Street, Corner of Holiday, Baltimore, Maryland Drums of all sizes from $1 to $50.”
17" diameter by 14" tall.
Label inside drum reads, “Drum materials of all kinds major staffs, flag staffs, ornaments, fife and drum sticks. Union Manufacturing Co., West Baltimore St. Baltimore, M.”
Part of the Gettysburg National Park Collection.
16 5/8” diameter by 14 ½” tall.
A silver shield to the right of the painted scene is inscribed “Presented to D. Harman (Herman), By the Bully Boys of Co. G, 138th Pennsyl. Rgt. Vlt.”
Partial label indicates the maker Union Drum Manufacturing at the address of 98 West Baltimore St.
Donated to the Foundation by Fred Benkovic, Brookfield, WI. Property of the 1st Brigade Band.
15” diameter by 14” tall.
Made or distributed by Fr. Sauer, Baltimore. Six gut snares, no strainer. Elaborate tack pattern. Red counter hoops.
Captured by the 2d Reg. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry on July 1st, 1863, at Gettysburg, PA.
Marked on shell 5th Alabama Regt., Archer's Brigade, CSA 1862.
The tack design is similar to some that appear on Boucher labeled drums. Whether this drum was made by Boucher and sold by Sauer, or vice-versa, is unknown.