2010 Yesterday USA Auction

All Night Item   P 

Drumstick Package: A Ludwig Drum Family Collection Drumstick with certificate of Authenticity, special obituary pamphlet from the funeral of William F. Ludwig II, a commemorative copy of the NSMD (Not so Modern Drummer) magazine on William and a photo showing all three generations and their signatures. From David Anfuso of  The Cookie Garden and Vintage Drum Guide. (CE)

Per a letter from the donor, David Anfusco

History of The Lugwig Drum Company

This is a genuine vintage drum stick that was part of the Ludwig Drum Family Collection. The Ludwig name goes way back to the early 1900's as pioneers in the music business.

They were suppliers of sound effects for live vaudeville acts and a big part of early drumming and the music business. All of the earliest most famous drummers and sound affects professionals had some type of Ludwig instrument.

There is a book on the complete history that goes into all of the details, but the most significant in history that transformed the company was in 1964, when Ludwig supplied a drum set for Ringo Starr of the Beatles to be used on the Ed Sullivan Show. The drum set was a Lugwig Black Oyster Pearl and after the show aired, drumming kids all over the world had to gave a set of these drums. (The company went into triple shifts to keep up with sales.)

The stick was part of a set of sticks that were used by the family for clinics, events, parades and shows.