RAF Brass Ceremonial Side Drums By Premier England (SOLD)

A very nice pair of quality Premier England ceremonial regimental brass-shelled, rope-tuned RAF side drums. The shell of the drum has been decorated with the Royal coat of arms, an Eagle superimposed on a circlet surmounted by a crown (this is the heraldic emblem used to represent the RAF) and written on scroll ‘Royal Air Force Band’. The top and bottom rims are made of wood that have been painted with a castellated design with two shades of blue separated and surrounded by dark red. The drum is fitted with two skins, a set of snares and 10 leather ears that apply tension on the ropes to tune the heads. Stamped onto the brass is 1961 and 1962. The 1962 drum has the “Flynn” band painted on the side. C1961

Historically, parade drums are used to march military troops in step. They also functioned as the chief method of signalling commands for camp duties or movements during battle.

The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom features two mottos, ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense’ and ‘Dieu et Mon Droit’, roughly translated ‘Shame be to him who thinks evil of it.’ and ‘God and My Right.’.

Premier was established in 1922 when a drummer, Albert Della Porta, partnered with George Smith to establish a company. They set up on Berwick Street, London. In the beginning, they manufactured drums for other companies like John E. Dallas (with the “Jedson” trademark), then starting with “Premier” instruments. Early drum kits consisted of a bass drum, a snare, a stand, a cymbal, and sometimes a small tom-tom. The company grew to two factories, ending up in West London’s Park Royal. By 1938 they were also producing brass instruments, as well as supplying drums to the armed forces. The company even built a guitar called “Premier Vox”, in the early 1930s.

These are a lovely pair of Ceremonial drums, could be converted into a pair of low coffee tables or just as a statement piece in the home or shop display.

Dimensions: H: 36cm W: 36cm D: 36cm