Albany,  New York
J & H Meacham

Wood, metal, paint, fiber, leather, gut strings, skinhead
ca. 1820 – 1827
Height: 17 in; Diameter 17 in
Percussion – Indefinite Pitch – Drum

An early rope tension tack drum by a well-known military goods supplier, John & Horace Meacham. This drum was made between 1820 and 1827 but from the style and construction of the tugs this drum, more than likely saw service during the Civil War. It is a standard military drum used by both North and South. It measures 17″ X 17″ totally with about 2″ high red painted hoops (uncut) on top and bottom.  All parts are original, including the natural wood body with a geometric tack design, hoops, paint, ropes, leather tension, heads, and gut snares. Looking through the vent hole, an extremely nice 8.5” x 11” Meacham label can be seen. The label describes all the contracts Meacham had with the U.S. government during this period. At the top: New Military Store / J & H Meachum / No. 84 State Street, Albany.  Later in 1828 they joined as a partner with Sylvanus Billings Pond as Meacham & Pond.

Resource: ‘The New Langwill Index: A Dictionary of Musical Wind Instrument Makers and inventors.” William Waterhouse, 1993. Pub: Tony Bingham, London.