I have done some research re W. (Werner) Soistmann. Fred Soistmann
reports that Werner, son of Louis, arrived in New York (from Germany)
in 1865. See
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/s/o/i/FRED-S-SOISTMANN/index.html.

Assuming that is accurate, Werner would not appear to have been
manufacturing drums in Philadelphia during the Civil War.

If Werner made drums, it appears more likely that he would have made
them later in time.

Also, the stenciled counterhoops may assist in placing the drum in
time. I have some drums with such stencils and I believe that they
are from approximately 1900. The inlay star pattern, also, is
familiar.

I have asked members of the RopeDrums yahoo group to comment.
Perhaps we can assist in placing the drum correctly in time and thus
assist in establishing a fair market value. I do not believe that
the drum is a Philadelphia Civil War era Soistmann drum, however.

Best regards.

Ellis Mirsky


--- In RopeDrums@yahoogroups.com, "Ellis R. Mirsky" <emirsky@...>
wrote:
>
> Question to RopeDrums Group Members: Based on the photos posted to
our group's website, does this drum look right to you? I think it's
okay but I'd like your input.
>
> E.g., aside from the fact that the counterhoop on top has a snare
bed,
> it's stenciled. Does anyone know when stenciling on counterhoops
began?
>
> Also, does the inlay look correct for the period?
>
> And, was that a Soistmann inlay pattern?
>
> Note what appears to be a bone vent grommet.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Ellis Mirsky
>