Abner and Moseley stevens
Pittsfield Drum Manufacturers
Abner Stevens was born October 17, 1770 in Killingworth, Connecticut. After his marriage to Sophia Morley in 1808. There, Stevens provided drums for the state's militia, and in 1812, the U.S. Government. "The war added the national government to the number of his patrons; and, being industrious and economical, he made a handsome fortune." The History of Pittsfield (Berkshire County) Massachusetts : from the year 1800 to the year 1876
Abner and Sophia Stevens had five children. On March 18, 1819, they welcomed their fourth child named Israel Moseley Stevens. For reasons unknown to me at this point, Israel may have changed his name to Moseley W. Stevens. There is much confusion in the historical record about the two names, but Moseley W. Stevens died on December 12, 1860 aged 42 years, which would make his birth year either 1818/1819. In any event, Moseley W. Stevens certainly continued the drum making business after his father's death on February 6, 1842.
16" diameter by 13.5" ash drum shell. Counter hoops are 1.5" tall drilled for ten holes; possibly replacements.
I added new rope, heads, braces, guts, and flesh hoops to return this instrument to playing condition. Formerly part of the collection of Jim Smith.
"ABNER STEVENS,/ Makes, in the neatest manner, keeps for sale,/ At his Factory in Pittsfield, (Mass.)/ Military and Bass Drums,/ OF ALL SIZES AND PRICES,/ TAMBOURINES, FIFES, FLUTES, AND/ VIOLIN BOWS./ Also, Repairs VIOLINS./ 1818."
16" diameter by 14" tall
Label reads, “Pittsfield drum Factory Established 1794 A.D. Stevens Manufacturer of Bass Military And children's Drums Orders received at this store 103 North Street Pittsfield mass all drums sold on the most favorable terms.”
The drum shell appears to be made of maple, and the leather braces have pinked edges, which seems to be a trend with many of Stevens' drums.
Label is dated 1822.
Abner Stevens made drums have a few distinct characteristics. The tack design is fairly consistent which utilizes two vertical rows of tacks, the right side complete, while the left side has three groupings of tacks. A circle of tacks surround the vent and one diamond pattern above and below. This is not always the case, but common enough to make it distinguishable.
Label is dated 1811.
One will also notice that many of Stevens' drums have some variation of a "star" painted around the vent. Also, when viewing the drum, the outer portion of the scarf joint is on the right-hand side. Property of Brian Hill.
"Throughout his yearlong tour of all 24 states, Americans honored Lafayette with a parade at almost every stop he made, and local craftspeople produced many types of commemorative memorabilia. Lafayette visited Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for a few hours on June 15, 1825, while en route to Boston. Abner Stevens, a Pittsfield resident and music shop owner, decorated this drum for the occasion." Par
25" diameter by 24" tall.
In addition to snare drums, there are also a number of bass drums carrying the label of Abner Stevens. Many of the same characteristics appear on these that have been mentioned earlier, setting them apart from other makers.
A close inspection of the tack design shows a decorated vent, complete with bone insert and painted "star," as seen on snare drums by Stevens.
The paper label reads, "Fifes, Tamboreens,/ BASS AND MILITARY DRUMS,/ OF ALL SIZES AND PRICES,/ Made in the neatest manner, and sold by,/ ABNER STEVENS,/ Pittsfield, (Mass)/ 1817.”
M.W. Stevens
17 1/2" diameter by 15 1/4" tall.
Part of the National Music Museum collection, this is one of only two drums known to me made by Moseley W. Stevens. The tack design, painted star, and construction is almost identical to those exhibited on Abner Stevens drums.
As seen to the right, the leather braces have been cut using a pinking iron. This is a leather tool that cuts the leather in one blow of the mallet leaving a scalloped edge.
A wonderful label is preserved inside the shell clearly naming "M.W. STEVENS" as the maker in "Pittsfield, Mass, 1844." The ornate border is reminiscent of the time period, as well as the eagle perched on an American shield at the top.
A rather small drum, possibly a "toy" drum, standing a little over 11" tall with the counter hoops. Some decoration has been added with yellow, red, and green paint. The counter hoops are drilled for eight holes, which also suggests a smaller diameter.
A close-up of the vent shows the decorative paint swirling away from the vent and ending at the six brass tacks.
The printed label reads, "MANUFACTURED BY/ M. W. STEVENS,/ PITTSFIELD, Mass./ For Sale Wholesale and Retail,/ 184"
The very last line of the label would be for the date, but there is not a number listed at the end, so we can assume it that this drum was made in the 1840s.