Brownie Drum Co.
Inspired by the Zephyr diesel-powered speed train built in Chicago in 1934, this magnificent WFL is one you cannot miss.
Sporting the streamlined Zephyr lugs and silver & blue Duco finish, this 1939 three-piece kit with hardware is a true American gem.
Shell Sizes: 26 x 14 kick, 13 x 9 tom, 14 x 6.5 snare
Shell Construction: 3-ply mahogany / poplar / mahogany with bird’s-eye maple reinforcing rings
Heads: Evans Calftone batter and resonant heads (additional original 26” calfskin heads included)
Condition: This is one of the best, fully complete sets I have had the pleasure to work with. Every tension rod, nut, bolt and screw are authentic WFL - including the hardware and trap case accessories. Each item can be directly referenced in the 1939 WFL catalogue, even the shell carrying bags.
**These shells are extra special because the ‘Duco’ finish has been permanently preserved by a proprietary process by Brownie Drum Company. Painted finishes of this era notoriously chip and flake, and to prevent further loss of the original paint, each shell was encapsulated with a thin coat of epoxy. This finish will never chip or degrade, and maintain a brilliant glassy luster for another century.
The 13x9 is the only shell with several areas of significant paint loss (provided in the photos). The kick and snare have only minor areas of paint damage - primarily surrounding the lugs. Further degradation of the original Duco finish is impossible now that the shells have been encapsulated. (Each WFL badge was removed during the finish preservation process, and authentic Ludwig vent grommet reinstalled with each badge.)
The immaculate nickel hardware has been cleaned, polished and treated with a rust/corrosion inhibitor for long-lasting protection.
Bearing edge work has been completed for each batter and resonant side, cut and shaped with vintage perfection. The factory original edge profile was maintained for each shell, ensuring the contours deliver that round and fluffy vintage flavor true to its time.
There is absolutely no reinforcing ring separation or delaminating of the shells.
The combination of all this restoration and preservation love makes this WFL a vintage player’s dream. This kit is meant to be played, admired and enjoyed for decades to come.
List of everything included (all genuine WFL):
-WFL 3-piece kick, tom and snare
-New Evans Calftone Heads
-Fibre suit case trap case
-‘Twin Spring Speedmaster' BD pedal -Tunable black ebonite tone block -cowbell w/mount
-accessories mounting bracket
-rack tom mounting bracket
-bass drum spurs
-bass drum external muffler
-Snare / tom stand
-drum throne
-vintage sticks and brushes
-original 26” calfskin heads (x2)
-Canvas bags w/zipper for kick and tom shells (sorry, no snare bag)
