Vintage J. W. Pepper Drum ca. 1882-1909 in playing condition

This drum is dated to the period 1882-1909, when J. W. Pepper was manufacturing instruments at the address on this drum's label - Eighth and Locust Streets.  See more of its history at our blog post. The 2 ply 10" deep x 16" diameter shell has a star inlay, and the hoops have an elaborate transfer design. The batter and snare heads are new basic calfskin heads; the gut is vintage, with one of the small hooks on the anchor side missing (see photo). This drum is ready to play. You could convert this drum to a rope drum as a DIY project by using drum hooks on the existing hoops or by replacing the hoops. Use cast bronze unpolished drum hooks: 20 hooks = $200, plus French hemp rope ($45.60), and 10 Civil War style natural leather tab ears ($130)orUse early 20th century pulley drum hooks: 20 hooks = $60, plus French hemp rope ($45.60), and 10 Civil War style natural leather tab ears ($130)orReplace the vintage hoops with drilled hoops: 2 new counterhoops, the cost ranging from $150 to $234,