C.m. zimmermann
Charles M. Zimmermann of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania first appeared in the Philadelphia Directory in 1851 as “Schmidt & Zimmerman import. mus. inst. 408 N 2d.” Afterwards, C.M. Zimmermann’s addresses were as follows: 1852-54 - 266 ½ N 2d; 1855 - 251 N 2d; 1856-57 – 157 N 2d; 1858-1865 238 N. 2d.
In 1858, Zimmermann received a patent for "improvements in securing the ropes to the sides of the hoops forming the ends of the drums and consists in a ready mode of connecting and disconnecting said ropes, also in lessening the friction and wear of said ropes by a series of pulley's arranged on the sides of the hoops." The image to the right is from the U.S. Patent website, uspto.gov. Zimmermann goes on to describe how his invention is used and specifically states this to be used with a "metal shell."
From 1859-1865, Zimmermann had multiple contracts with the government for a variety of musical related items such as bugles, trumpets, drumheads, drumsticks, and fifes.
On August 19, 1861, Zimmerman received a contract for 2,000 infantry drums at $3.75 each; and 2,000 drum cases at 25 cents each. This drum carries an early eagle design strikingly different to the "contract" eagle motif seen on Zimmerman's wartime drums.
16" diameter by 12 3/8" tall solid ash drum shell, ever so slightly cut down from the top as seen by the removal of five brass tacks. Also of interest is the red star painted around the vent outlined in yellow. You can see the shallow snare beds were cut directly below the vent. Many drums I have examined have crudely cut snare beds that would make modern makers cringe.
16 1/2" diameter by 16" tall, this contract drum has been restored with new rope and leather braces by W.H. Reamer in 1977. The motif is quite faded, which is common among Zimmermann drums for some reason. Possibly a problem with the varnish or curing time, most of Zimmerman labeled drums have a lot of paint flaking off as seen here.
A standard tack pattern here consisting of an oval with a single circle around the vent and two arrows facing up and down. A large crack can be seen in the shell from this view as well.
17" diameter by 17" tall. The drum is identified to Principal Musician Benjamin F. Gilmore of the 25th OVI. This particular eagle motif is unique as is utilizes bright pink and turquoise for the clouds above the eagle's head.
The same tack design can be seen here as in the previous example. Although this drum is in better overall condition, the loss of paint is still obvious and what appears to be new rope and leather braces.
Being a dealer in musical instruments, Zimmermann most likely resold this drum in his store. The construction and tack design are definitely from a Philadelphia or Germantown maker, most likely Thomas Bringhurst. But, a Zimmermann label was placed inside at some point and sold as such.
As seen on his label, the words, "PATENT DRUM" have been used to advertise his invention. As well as the image of the drum using the metal hooks as described in his patent. The address of 238 North Second St. places the manufacture date from 1858-1865.
16 3/4" diameter by 15" tall. Another Zimmermann eagle drum courtesy of the Madison Historical Society. This one also showing the loss of paint as seen on many others.
The bottom skin being almost completely gone, clearly visible is the Zimmermann label pasted to the inside of the shell. Remnants of gut snares protrude from between the counter hoop and shell. Also, we get a good view of the reinforcing hoops, bearing edges, and snare bed.
The red painted counter hoops remain in solid shape, with wear marks being evident in between the ropes from playing.
The before mentioned tack design is seen again, all tacks being present, and heavily oxidized leaving them a dull black color. This being a far cry from their original shiny brass.