A unique opportunity to acquire an historically important World War 1 military bass drum, the FIRST to land in France in February 1915. This was the marching drum of the 6th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, a regiment that was stationed in France from 1915 right through to the end of the war, playing an important role in the Battle of the Somme, the breaking of the Hindenburg Line and the eventual defeat of the German army in 1918. Tragically, the Sherwood Foresters were to incur devastating losses with 80% of their troops being lost or seriously wounded through the course of the war. Formerly part of a museum collection this fantastic drum gives a deep, resonating and somewhat haunting sound - and listening to the drum today it’s amazing to think that this was the very sound that was heard by soldiers more than one hundred years ago when marching off into the unknown, with many never to return. The drum was made by the respected maker, Hawkes and Son of London and an inscription inside the drum indicates that the one of the calf skin heads was replaced in 1914. The head measures a massive 32" diameter and the drum is 20" deep. The old brass plaque to the side, which has considerable age and was on the drum when I acquired it from a museum collection reads: The Drum of the first Band to land in France, Feb 1915, and carried by the 6th Bn of the Sherwood Foresters until the end of the War'.

This is from my private collection, being an item I bought from a museum dispersal sale in the East Midlands many years ago.

Due its size and historical significance, this item is for collection only from the Penrith area, 10 miles from junction 40 of the M6. If this causes difficulties, please let me know and I will try to find an alternative way of getting it to you. Offers invited from any community organisations or museum services able to put it on public display.

Condition: A genuine antique in used/battle-worn condition. Structurally sound but with scuffs, scratches, paint losses, fading etc. Ropework and both skins in good order. Original brass plaque, makers labels to the inside.